Abstract
Introduction
Second medical opinions (SMOs) are common in oncology practice, but the nature of these consultations has received relatively little attention. This study examines the views of patients with advanced cancer and their physicians of SMOs.
Method
Parallel, concurrent surveys were developed for patients and physicians. The first was distributed to outpatients with advanced cancer-attending specialist clinics in an Australian quaternary hospital. The second survey, developed on the basis of results of exploratory interviews with medical oncologists, was distributed to medical oncologists in Australia.
Results
Seventeen of fifty two (33%) patients had sought a SMO, most commonly prompted by concerns around communication with their first doctor, the extreme and desperate nature of their medical condition and the need for reassurance. Most (94%) patients found the SMO helpful, with satisfaction related to improved communication and reassurance. Patients were concerned that seeking a second medical opinion may affect their relationship with their primary doctor. Most physicians (82%) reported seeing between one and five SMO per month, with patients being motivated by the need for additional information and reassurance. Physicians regarded SMO patients as having greater information needs (84%), greater psychosocial needs (58%) and requiring more of the physician's time and energy (77%) than other patients.
Conclusion
SMOs are common in cancer care with most patients motivated by the need for improved communication, additional information and reassurance. Physicians identify patients who seek SMOs as having additional psychosocial needs compared with other oncology patients.
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Conflict of interest
We, the authors, declare that there are no financial relationships in place that may influence the reporting of these findings. Dr. Jennifer Philip received a scholarship from National Health and Medical Research Council for her doctoral studies. The work presented here forms part of these studies.
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Philip, J., Gold, M., Schwarz, M. et al. Second medical opinions: the views of oncology patients and their physicians. Support Care Cancer 18, 1199–1205 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-009-0742-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-009-0742-z