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Table 3 Types of uncertainty

From: A typology of uncertainty derived from an analysis of critical incidents in medical residents: A mixed methods study

Type of uncertainty

Description

Technical

Lack of theoretical information resulting in ignorance for guiding actions

Communicational

Inability of the physician to communicate effectively and reach a joint decision with the patient

Conceptual

Inability to apply abstract knowledge in concrete situations

Systemic

Inability to act appropriately due to the lack of technological, technical, material and human resources as well as to ignore or act outside the standards and rules of the health system

Ethical

Inability to act when the person displays behaviors, attitudes and emotions inconsistent with the values and sociocultural codes of society, the institution and/or the person