Unveiling the Gray: Ambiguity, Uncertainty, and Information Seeking in Patient-Provider Communication

File(s)
Date
2012-05Author
Drifka, Chelsey Rae
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Fine Arts and Communication
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Patient-provider communication contains ambiguities, uncertainties, and above all else,.
shades of gray. The purpose of this thesis was to explore the not so black and white
complexities inherent in patient-provider communication.
This quantitative study was conducted in Family Planning Health Services, Inc., a clinic
which provides affordable and accessible contraceptive care. Respondents' tolerance of
ambiguity was assessed following a vignette about birth control, which varied in low, moderate,
and high levels of ambiguity. Results offered no significant statistical differences in relation to
ambiguity and uncertainty. Results about respondents' willingness to seek more information
following confusing or ambiguous communication indicated that the majority (69.4%) strongly
agreed they would try to learn as much information as possible, and even more (72.8%)
strongly agreed they would ask more questions before making a decision concerning their birth
control. Last, interactive sources, including health professionals, Internet, friends, and family
were ranked as the most sought after information channels.
To unveil the gray, this thesis explored the theoretical and practical implications of the
relationship between ambiguity, uncertainty, and information seeking in patient-provider
communication.
Permanent Link
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/81650Type
Thesis