Supporting health professional students to navigate diagnostic uncertainty in pain

Authors

Roma Forbes, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland. St Lucia, Brisbane, AustraliaFollow
Nathalia Costa, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland. St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
Stephen West-Newman, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland. St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia

Abstract

Background: Diagnostic uncertainty is a ubiquitous feature of health professional practice, posing complex challenges for both novice and experienced health professionals. Diagnostic uncertainty in practice encompasses various domains, including knowledge, perception, and communication.

Purpose: This paper explores the literature to provide strategies aimed to prepare health professional students for diagnostic uncertainty in the management of pain.

Results and Discussion: Strategies and concepts encompass re-evaluating traditional educational norms, recognizing the role of heuristics in decision-making, integrating clinical reasoning skills, and reflection through Balint Groups. Moreover, this paper advocates for open dialogue and facilitating a culture that normalizes uncertainty within classroom and clinical settings, including assessment.

Recommended Citation

Forbes, Roma; Costa, Nathalia; and West-Newman, Stephen (2024) "Supporting health professional students to navigate diagnostic uncertainty in pain," Health Professions Education: Vol. 10: Iss. 2, Article 7.
DOI: 10.55890/2452-3011.1072
Available at: https://hpe.researchcommons.org/journal/vol10/iss2/7