Practice Uncertainty: Changing Perceptions
Authors: Vaid Patrycja R. , Ewashen Carol , Green Theresa 
Published: July 2014

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Objectives

Review factors leading to practice change.

Describe actions that can be taken to reduce negative consequences of practice uncertainty.

Disclosure Statement
Neither the planners nor the authors have any conflicts of interest to disclose.

Practice uncertainty occurs when health care providers feel uncomfortable in response to unfamiliar or challenging patient care situations. Practice uncertainty is inevitable in health care, and there are many contextual factors that can lead to either good or bad outcomes for patients and health care providers. Practice uncertainty is not a well-established concept in the literature, perhaps because of the predominant empirical paradigm and the high value placed on certainty within current health care culture. This study was conducted to explore practice uncertainty and bring this topic into the foreground as a first step toward practice evolution. A shift in the perception of practice uncertainty may change the way in which practitioners experience this phenomenon. This process must start with nursing educators recognizing and acknowledging this phenomenon when it occurs.

J Contin Educ Nur
s 2013;44(10):439–444.