gms | German Medical Science

Background: Especially in the process of decision making in oncology, physicians are confronted with high levels of uncertainty. Studies have shown that perceived psychophysiological stress has an impact on emotions and decision making [1].This study is designed to investigate in how uncertainty affects physicians in the process of decision making and how uncertainty is discussed in patient-physician-communication.

Summary of work: 30 physicians will be recruited for the task of a simulated process of decision making over 21 days. It includes 5 assessment points:

1.

reading the patients’ file,

2.

watching a short video of the first physician-patient encounter,

3.

receiving a multidisciplinary recommendation for treatment,

4.

deciding on a treatment option in a standardized role-play and

5.

short interview on the reaction to uncertainty in the role-play.

At all assessment points physicians are asked to fill out questionnaires on tolerance of uncertainty, decisional comfort, perceived distress and decisional satisfaction before and after each task.

Summary of results: By the time of the conference we will present the study protocol and first results.

Discussion: This study is linked to the study of the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). A comparison between German and French-speaking physicians promises a better understanding of different approaches to uncertainty and can improve physician-patient-communication in both countries.

Conclusion: This study provides information about physicians’ reactions to uncertainty.

Take-Home-Messages: Uncertainty is an important element in oncology and affects physicians in the process of decision making.