Theory of Uncertainty in Illness

Theory of Uncertainty in Illness

A nursing theory conceived by Merle Mishel in 1988 that patients have many questions about the diseases that affect them, the treatments they are offered, the nature of their interactions with health care personnel, and their own emotional and physical responses to care. It suggests that helping patients resolve some of these uncertainties through psychoeducation will diminish knowledge deficits, improve communication between patients and their providers, and enhance the management of symptoms.