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When the Unknown Is Unknowable: Confronting Diagnostic Uncertainty.
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- Additional Information
- Source:
Publisher: American Academy of Pediatrics Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 0376422 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1098-4275 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 00314005 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Pediatrics Subsets: MEDLINE
- Publication Information:
Publication: Elk Grove Village Il : American Academy of Pediatrics
Original Publication: Springfield, Ill., Thomas.
- Subject Terms:
- Abstract:
The neonatology literature often refers to medical uncertainty and specifically the challenges of predicting morbidity for extremely premature infants, who can have widely varying outcomes. Less has been written about situations in which diagnoses are simply unknown or unattainable. This case highlights the importance of communication amidst uncertainty from a lack of knowledge about aspects of a patient's condition. Using epidemiologic and clinical reasoning, the authors challenge the assumption that diagnostic uncertainty must necessarily portend prognostic uncertainty. When physicians' quest for a diagnosis becomes burdensome and detrimental to the infant's quality of life, this should be abandoned and replaced by focusing on prognosis. The authors focus on the shift of the physician's role toward one of support, assisting the family in ascribing meaning to the dying experience. By focusing on prognosis and support, communication can proceed with more clarity, understanding, and empathy.
(Copyright © 2023 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.)
- Publication Date:
Date Created: 20230914 Date Completed: 20231023 Latest Revision: 20231029
- Publication Date:
20231030
- Accession Number:
10.1542/peds.2023-061193
- Accession Number:
37706240
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