LAUSR

Key Points Question What are clinician and patient perspectives and innovative ways to communicate diagnostic uncertainty to patients? Findings In this qualitative study, interviews with 69 primary care physicians, patients, and informatics and quality/safety experts suggested key features for a diagnostic uncertainty communication tool include need to sensitively acknowledge uncertainty, promote patient engagement, consider clinician’s workflow, and balance verbal conversation while producing a printed patient handout. Elements of the iteratively developed voice-enabled tool included most likely diagnosis, follow-up plan, test limitations, expected improvement course, and contact information. Meaning In this qualitative study, a prototype of a diagnostic uncertainty communication tool was successfully conceptualized, designed, and piloted.