Patient Narratives: Exploring the Fit of Uncertainty-Management Models of Health Care

Abstract

Uncertainty-management theory has been studied and applied in multiple areas of health communication. To date, the majority of published research regarding uncertainty management has been limited to studies of patients with terminal or acute illnesses. Diabetes is a manageable, long-term illness that requires daily attention but has a variable trajectory and no cure. This metasynthesis explores previous qualitative studies of personal experiences of patients with diabetes, specifically coding for themes of uncertainty to explore the fit of existing models of uncertainty management to these patients' experiences. Patient responses of guilt, and maintenance of health and identity indicate a need for possible extension of the existing models of uncertainty management in patient health communication.

Keywords:

• Uncertainty Management
• Diabetes
• Metasynthesis
• Qualitative
• Health Communication

Acknowledgement

The authors wish to dedicate this paper to the memory of the late Dr. Dale E. Brashers (1959–2010). This paper was inspired by his work and greatly improved by his guidance and advice.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nadene N. Vevea

Nadene Vevea (M.A., Minnesota State University, Mankato, 2007) is a Doctoral Candidate, Fellow, and Instructor at North Dakota State University

Amy N. Miller

Amy Miller (B.A., Jamestown College, 2007) is a Doctoral Candidate and Teaching Associate at North Dakota State University