It is also a population that often has limited resources and one that seeks to find others to help comfort and educate them. Modern technology has certainly improved both the diagnosis and treatment of the illness, but there are so many options that the patient is often left bewildered and frightened (Guadalupe). A proactive and professional nursing approach to this illness takes Mishel's theory and uses it in four ways:

To combat ambiguity -- Patients are unaware of the progress and severity of their illness and often fill in with worst-case scenarios. Open and honest communication about that status of the illness will alleviate many concerns, or at least allow for uncoerced decision making.

To combat complexity -- Illness is complex and often based on statistical tables, not individual expressions. Using Michel, the nurse can simplify to the necessary degree both the illness and options.

To provide information -- More than anything, Michel can be used to educate and advocate for the patient. Patients have different levels of education and expectations, and therefore need information in different ways. Some patients, for instance, are aggressive about reading and understanding...

Responding to this unpredictability with choices can reduce uncertainty and increase a patient's core personal responsibility in decision making (Guadalupe, Michel and Clayton).
Finally, the use of Michel's Theory has proven positive outcomes in providing consistency between the information given about treatment and the expected outcome, to inform honestly and completely, to provide social support, and to serve with credible authority and beneficence toward the patient (Guadalupe)

REFERENCES

Alligood, M. (2010). Nursing Theory: Utilization and Application. Denver, CO: Mosby.

Guadalupe, K. (2010, Feb.) Understanding a meningioma diagnosis using Mishel's theory of uncertainty in illness. British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing. 6 (2): 77-82.

Mishel, M. And Clayton, M. (2003). Theories of Uncertainty in Illness. In Smith, M. ed. Middle

Range Theory for Nursing. New York: Springer. Chapter 2.