Prognostic uncertainty in multiple sclerosis: A concept analysis.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2023

Identifier

DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16069

Abstract

AIM: To report an analysis of the concept of prognostic uncertainty in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

BACKGROUND: The complexity and ambiguity involved in a diagnosis of MS lead to the occurrence of prognostic uncertainty among patients. A concept analysis is presented that analyses what prognostic uncertainty means to those experiencing the transition between relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

DESIGN: Concept analysis.

DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Ovid Medline, Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases were searched for literature published within the last 10 years using combinations of the terms prognostic and diagnostic uncertainty, and multiple sclerosis along with archival referencing.

METHODS: The Walker and Avant method was used to analyse the concept of prognostic uncertainty in patients with MS.

RESULTS: The defining attributes identified that provide additional context to prognostic uncertainty are illness uncertainty, intolerance of uncertainty and progressive dwindling. Related, contrary, model and borderline cases are presented to further discuss the application of the key attributes to the concept.

CONCLUSION: There are limited data on prognostic uncertainty and multiple sclerosis; however, patients and physicians express uncertainty in understanding one's disease trajectory and determining when a patient with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis has entered the secondary progressive multiple sclerosis disease course leading to ineffective communication and frustration.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Genetics and genomics have the potential to provide a prognostic factor for addressing the concept of uncertainty as it relates to persons with multiple sclerosis. Moving beyond the concept analysis, a case is made for nurse involvement in genetic and genomic research to conduct trials, translate, and apply these findings to clinical practice and nursing curricula, addressing the uncertainty experienced by those afflicted with chronic illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis.

Journal Title

Journal of clinical nursing

Volume

32

Issue

3-4

First Page

633

Last Page

642

MeSH Keywords

Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting; Prognosis; Uncertainty

Keywords

concept analysis; multiple sclerosis; prognostic uncertainty; progression

Link to Full Text
Library Record

Share

COinS