Table 2 Categories of language that implicitily attenuates plain information
From: Implicit expression of uncertainty – suggestion of an empirically derived framework
Main category | Subcategory + Language | Example |
|---|---|---|
A) Questionable | a) Questions (direct/indirect) • Would you […]? • It probably could [be] […], [couldn’t it?] | “Does one have to do this acutely to improve the kidney function?” |
b) Doubtful • whether • debatable • if it [really] was like this | “It is debatable whether one has to check her for colon cancer.” | |
c) Hypothetical • guess • suppose • probably/presumably • perhaps/maybe | “Therefore, it’s maybe an […] abscess.” | |
B) Incomplete | a) Inconclusive • does not make sense • at a loss/clueless • just did something • hard to say | “I am a bit clueless what the [diagnosis] will be?” |
b) Ambiguous • unclear • somewhat | “The ultrasound [result] remains unclear.” | |
c) Unperceived • hard to see/recognize • not very visible | “It’s hard for me to recognize p-waves [in this ECG].” | |
d) Absent (finding/experience/knowledge) • outstanding/pending test result • not yet • do not know | “I don’t know whether one has to give her [the aciclovir] i.v.” | |
C) Alterable | a) Directly modifying • relatively | “She [the patient] is relatively stable. “ |
b) Indirectly modifying • at the moment/this minute • at a first glance • currently • right now • quote unquote • thus far/for now • almost • initially | “At the moment [the patient] is stable so far.” | |
D) Unreliable | a) Expert outside [specific medical] field • according to […] • he/she/it said • he/she possibly has | “She takes two drugs against diabetes which she probably acquired because of steroids, she said.” |
b) Lacking evidence • […] wasn’t in the chart/results | “It was not in the results [of the physical examination].” |