Clinical Situations of Uncertainty and Access to Resources: a Study of Community Family Physicians
Year: 2010
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Aims: To explore the situational factors that are present during moments of uncertainty\nthat lead family physicians to access external resources of varying type.\nMethods: Situational cues were identified using self-observational journaling. A survey was then performed to study physicians' likelihood of accessing external resources in response to each situation.\nFindings: Identified situational cues included case aspects such as unfamiliar or complex presentations, potentially serious conditions, failure of previous treatments, and the patient or others in attendance being perceived as anxious, demanding, distrustful or dissatisfied. In all situations, physicians reported greatest likelihood to refer to specialists. However, with conditions that seem unfamiliar or complex, they reported similar likelihood to access internet sources, and in complex situations, to consult with peers.\nConclusions: Both medical and social situational factors led family physicians to access external resources. Consultation with specialists and peers are considered highly valued resources in managing situations of uncertainty.
Author: Lee, Linda Li-Wen
Language: English
Subfield: Family Practice
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6989981032