Navigating chronic uncertainty: a theory synthesis for nursing communication in life-limiting illness

Abstract

Abstract Background Despite the proven benefits of early palliative care, patient communication regarding these services remains elusive. Therefore, this paper aims to (a) provide a focused literature review on nurse palliative care communication addressing chronic uncertainty in life-limiting illness (LLI), (b) define the Reconceptualization of Uncertainty in illness Theory and Problematic Integration Theory within a nursing Unitary Caring Science philosophical worldview and, (c) synthesize these theories and literature review into a unique theoretical framework for early palliative care communication in acute care nursing. Method Turner’s theory synthesis methodology was combined with a PRISMA-style literature review. The literature search was conducted in July 2023 and updated in May 2024 using EBSCOhost, Pubmed, and PsychINFO databases. A second literature search was undertaken to identify applicable uncertainty theories in chronic or LLIs. Results This theory synthesis highlights the interconnectedness of all facets of uncertainty for those living with severe LLI (personal factors, types of uncertainty, and the nursing communicatory process) and conceptualizes uncertainty communication as a series of events happening simultaneously, not simply a cause-and-effect process. Discussion The framework resulting from this synthesis encourages nurses’ holistic understanding of the complex nature of uncertainty in LLI, highlights the integral communicatory role nurses have in their patients’ health and wellness, and promotes further nursing-specific communication research. Future research on enabling nurse-initiated early palliative care communication and narrative communication techniques will support patients’ values and dignity throughout more than a single hospital stay but their entire disease trajectory.