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01-10-2013 | Original Article

Sources of Uncertainty and Their Association with Medical Decision Making: Exploring Mechanisms in Fanconi Anemia

Authors: Jada G. Hamilton, PhD, MPH, Sadie P. Hutson, PhD, RN, WHNP, BC, Richard P. Moser, PhD, Sarah C. Kobrin, PhD, MPH, Amy E. Frohnmayer, MA, Blanche P. Alter, MD, MPH, Paul K. J. Han, MD, MA, MPH

Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 2/2013

Abstract

Background

Effects of different sources of medical uncertainty on people’s health-related cognitions, emotions, and decision making have yet to be systematically examined.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine how uncertainties arising from different sources are associated with decision making regarding stem cell transplantation in Fanconi anemia, a rare, inherited bone marrow failure syndrome that typically presents during childhood.

Methods

Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 178 parents of 126 Fanconi anemia patients.

Results

Two distinct sources of uncertainty were associated with decision outcomes: probability was associated with a lower likelihood of choosing stem cell transplantation, and ambiguity due to conflicting expert opinions was associated with greater decision-making difficulty. Concern about transplantation may mediate these associations.

Conclusions

Different sources of uncertainty have different effects on Fanconi anemia treatment decisions, which may be mediated by parents’ emotional reactions. Further research is needed to elucidate these effects and help Fanconi anemia families cope with uncertainty.

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Title: Sources of Uncertainty and Their Association with Medical Decision Making: Exploring Mechanisms in Fanconi Anemia
Authors: Jada G. Hamilton, PhD, MPH
Sadie P. Hutson, PhD, RN, WHNP, BC
Richard P. Moser, PhD
Sarah C. Kobrin, PhD, MPH
Amy E. Frohnmayer, MA
Blanche P. Alter, MD, MPH
Paul K. J. Han, MD, MA, MPH
Publication date: 01-10-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 0883-6612
Electronic ISSN: 1532-4796
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-013-9507-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Sources of Uncertainty and Their Association with Medical Decision Making: Exploring Mechanisms in Fanconi Anemia

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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