Ovisshetens uttryck
En empirisk studie baserad på berättelser om ovisshet.
Background: Many people within the health care system experience uncertainty. Uncertainty can be described as a feeling, a condition or as a phenomenon. Uncertainty is often associated with stress and an emotional burden among patients. It?s important for the nurse to have knowledge about the expressions of uncertainty to get a higher appreciation for the patients? situation. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe how uncertainty expresses itself among people in an uncertain situation. Method: The study was based on 20 narratives about uncertainty, written by students. A manifest content analysis was applied. Result: The study resulted in two main categories. The category The invisible expressions of uncertainty describes that many feelings aroused. Many thoughts and questions were also evoked whilst in uncertainty. In the category The visible and physical expressions of uncertainty the expressions appeared as varied behaviour and actions. The body also showed physical reactions. Conclusion: Many of the expressions of uncertainty have a negative impact on people and can therefore be seen as a threat against their wellbeing and health. Despite of the individual expressions of uncertainty, this study shows that uncertainty could be discovered among people. Increased participation and person-centred care could alleviate the uncertainty among patients.