What do you do when you don't know what to do? GP associates in training (AiT) and their experiences of uncertainty

Abstract

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN IN THIS AREA

•	‘Uncertainty’ is inevitable in medical practice and has been linked to doctors' experiences of ambiguity.
•	Approaches to uncertainty include ‘toleration’ and ‘control’, while uncertainty has also been seen as ‘relational’, arising between doctors and their patients together.
•	Various taxonomies have been proposed including dimensions of scientific knowledge, service design and patients own concerns.

WHAT THIS WORK ADDS

•	Discussions among associates in training (AiT) revealed narratives of uncertainty which included reflection and interpretation.
•	AiTs found some ‘functional ways through’ uncertainty, however, uncertainty also resulted in ‘dysfunctional ways out’.
•	A pragmatic classification of uncertainty in general practice emerged, comprising analysing, negotiating, networking and team-working uncertainties, which facilitates identification of the skills AiTs need to develop.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE WORK

•	Can this pragmatic classification of uncertainty result in educational interventions to help AiTs to manage uncertainty more effectively?
•	What techniques will help AiTs to learn to manage the emotional burden of uncertainty and maintain resilience?
•	Could this classification of uncertainty help doctors in other specialities?

Keywords:

• associates in training
• experience
• general practice
• resilience
• training
• uncertainty