'Next please!' psychological and practical consequences of an inconclusive diagnosis

Abstract

An inconclusive diagnosis can be a distressing experience, creating on-going problems for both the patient and healthcare professionals. The time frame taken to try to reach a diagnosis can be lengthy. The necessary follow-up processes including referrals to other teams, ongoing assessments, repeat discharges, and re-referrals to other specialities all extend the time frame and result in an increase in anxiety for the patient. For health professionals, as the priority is the assessment and diagnosis of symptoms, there is little time or external support available to manage patient distress. As such, the levels of anxiety often result in practical consequences such as repeat attendance at healthcare services and A&E; and re-referrals due to DNAs (did not attends)/disengagement from services coupled with a renewed desire for a clear diagnosis as symptoms become emotionally and functionally disruptive.