Abstract
The aim of this qualitative study was to explore patients' perceptions of consulting with a nurse practitioner in situations of clinical uncertainty. Uncertainty in this context is defined as one where there is no obvious diagnosis, treatment or where the outcome of the consultation is not definite. Three general practice sites were recruited to participate. 43 patients who consulted with one of three nurse practitioners were interviewed using a semistructured schedule. The nurse practitioners identified uncertainty in 30 of these consultations; only two patients expressed any awareness of uncertainty with the consultation. The results showed that patients appear to accept that there will be a level of uncertainty in some consultations. Recognition of uncertainty within the consultation does not appear to have a negative effect on patients' perception of the nurse practitioner as they feel that the nurse will refer to a doctor if necessary.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
