Use of Chart-Stimulated Recall to Explore Uncertainty in Medical Decision-Making Among Senior Internal Medicine Residents

Background Uncertainty is common and impacts both patients and clinicians. The approach to uncertainty in medical trainees may be distinct from that of practicing clinicians and has important implications for medical education. Objective Describe trainee approach to uncertainty with the use of chart-stimulated recall (CSR)–based interviews, as well as the utility of such interviews in promoting reflection about decision-making among senior internal medicine (IM) residents. Design Qualitative analysis of CSR-based interviews with IM residents. Participants Senior IM residents rotating on inpatient night float at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center from February to September 2019. Intervention Each participant completed one, 20-min CSR session based on a self-selected case in which there was uncertainty in decision-making. Interviews explored the sources of, approaches to, and feelings about uncertainty. Approach Two independent coders developed a codebook and independently coded all transcripts. Transcripts were then analyzed using thematic analysis. Key Results The perceived acuity of the patient presentation was the main driver of the approach to and stress related to uncertainty. Perceived level of responsibility in resolving uncertainty during the overnight shift also varied among individual participants. Attending expression of uncertainty provided comfort to residents and alleviated stress related to uncertainty. Residents felt comfortable discussing their uncertainty and felt that the opportunity to think aloud during the exercise was valuable. Conclusions Our study demonstrated a novel approach to the exploration of uncertainty in medical decision-making, with the use of CSR. Variations in resident perceived level of responsibility in resolving uncertainty during the overnight shift suggest a need for curriculum development in approach to uncertainty during night shifts. Though residents often experienced stress related to uncertainty, attending expression of uncertainty was an important mitigator of that stress, emphasizing the important role that the trainee-attending interaction plays in the diagnostic process.