Arthur Frank Uncertainty
Uncertainty in Arthur Frank’s Illness Experience
Sandra Varghese
100975013
George Brown College
Uncertainty in Arthur Frank’s Illness Experience
A known fact is that life is uncertain. Many adversities such as chronic illness can increase the uncertainty in one’s life. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the concept of uncertainty by applying the antecedents of Mishel’s (1990) Re-conceptualized Theory of Uncertainty to the illness experience described by Arthur Frank in “At the Will of the Body: Reflections on Illness” (2002). This paper will also include nursing interventions that meet the needs of Frank’s antecedents of uncertainty. Lastly, this paper will discuss how my new understanding of uncertainty has …show more content…
According to Yu Ko & Degner (2008), the three interventions to manage uncertainty are patient-provider communication, cognitive reframing and problem solving. A major factor contributing to Frank’s uncertainty was the lack of patient-healthcare provider communication. When Frank was at the ultrasound his technician was an ineffective communicator. If the technician provided more than just an abrupt statement about tumors, Frank would feel less uncertain (p. 27). Providing information and answering questions enhances disease predictability and reduces symptom ambiguity (Cypress, 2010). The latter nursing actions can reduce uncertainty by interpreting the patient’s view of his or her illness. Simple information such as cues, signs and symptoms and diagnostic tests can help the patient effectively plan ahead. Germino et al. (2013), conducted a study where breast cancer patients were given CDs with specific cognitive and behavioral strategies as a method of cognitive reframing. Such an intervention manipulates the stimuli frame because it helps the individual alter the interpretation of the illness, by looking at it as an opportunity rather than a threat. In terms of problem solving, the nurse should be seen as a coach that provides options and helps the patient throughout issues. This act of exploring through discussion was not evident throughout Frank’s illness experience because he felt as if his physician already set his treatment process (p. 56). Frank had no say in what his treatment process would be like and therefore this did not allow him to implement the best solution for his illness. Once open discussion is prominent in the nurse-patient relationship, the nurse can help guide the patient in the right direction (Elphee, 2008). This helps the patient to identify an issue that causes uncertainty and to choose the best solution and optimally adapt to the
Sandra Varghese
100975013
George Brown College
Uncertainty in Arthur Frank’s Illness Experience
A known fact is that life is uncertain. Many adversities such as chronic illness can increase the uncertainty in one’s life. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the concept of uncertainty by applying the antecedents of Mishel’s (1990) Re-conceptualized Theory of Uncertainty to the illness experience described by Arthur Frank in “At the Will of the Body: Reflections on Illness” (2002). This paper will also include nursing interventions that meet the needs of Frank’s antecedents of uncertainty. Lastly, this paper will discuss how my new understanding of uncertainty has …show more content…
According to Yu Ko & Degner (2008), the three interventions to manage uncertainty are patient-provider communication, cognitive reframing and problem solving. A major factor contributing to Frank’s uncertainty was the lack of patient-healthcare provider communication. When Frank was at the ultrasound his technician was an ineffective communicator. If the technician provided more than just an abrupt statement about tumors, Frank would feel less uncertain (p. 27). Providing information and answering questions enhances disease predictability and reduces symptom ambiguity (Cypress, 2010). The latter nursing actions can reduce uncertainty by interpreting the patient’s view of his or her illness. Simple information such as cues, signs and symptoms and diagnostic tests can help the patient effectively plan ahead. Germino et al. (2013), conducted a study where breast cancer patients were given CDs with specific cognitive and behavioral strategies as a method of cognitive reframing. Such an intervention manipulates the stimuli frame because it helps the individual alter the interpretation of the illness, by looking at it as an opportunity rather than a threat. In terms of problem solving, the nurse should be seen as a coach that provides options and helps the patient throughout issues. This act of exploring through discussion was not evident throughout Frank’s illness experience because he felt as if his physician already set his treatment process (p. 56). Frank had no say in what his treatment process would be like and therefore this did not allow him to implement the best solution for his illness. Once open discussion is prominent in the nurse-patient relationship, the nurse can help guide the patient in the right direction (Elphee, 2008). This helps the patient to identify an issue that causes uncertainty and to choose the best solution and optimally adapt to the