Uncertainty in Clinical Knowledge: A Critical Dimension of Quality Evaluation

Thisarticleexploresthewaysinwhichuncertaintycanbeincorporatedintotheunderstandingof betterperformanceapproaches,andisthusproposedasanenablingdimensionofperformance.The enablingcharacteristicofuncertaintyisofspecial interest todesigningeducationalprogramsfor providersinassistancetotheameliorationofcarethroughtheapplicationofavailableknowledge,be thatfromdatarelatingprocessestooutcomes,orbasedonfeedbackprovidersgetfrompatientsand familiesabouttheirexpectationsfromthecare.Tracingthekeystonedefinitionsofuncertaintyfrom HippocratestoOsler,thediscussionaddressesthedimensionsofdecision-makingappropriateness,its timeliness,theexpectedandactualvalueofthecareservices,andtheroleofsystematiccommunication betweenprovidersofcareaswellaswithpatients.ThecrucialroleofHealthInformationTechnology isemphasized,andaunifyingmodelisproposedwheretheinclusionofuncertaintyasadimensionof performancepromotesanencompassingevaluationofthequalityofhealthcareservices.Evaluation, influencedby traditionandprecedent, isdiscussedas requiring the inclusionofhealthcareand caringservices. KEywoRDS Clinical Knowledge, Communication, Health Care Services, Health Information Technology, Quality Evaluation