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05/26/26

A bumpy ride: how patients experience diagnostic uncertainty and anxiety.

Dahm, Maria R; Dahm, August E. J Gen Intern Med.

Collection Topics
Communication Patients and Families as Partners
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Summary

Discussing diagnostic uncertainty with patients and families is challenging, but clinicians must be transparent about what is not yet known while remaining sensitive to its impact. This commentary from an uncertainty researcher and their child examines the emotional toll of diagnostic uncertainty on patients and families. The authors suggest that understanding patients’ experiences of diagnostic anxiety and illness severity can help tailor information and care, build trust, and support shared decision-making.
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Dahm MR, Dahm AE. J Gen Intern Med. Epub 2026 May 26.