Patient-driven second opinions in oncology: a review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Patient-initiated second opinions in oncology are rising but poorly understood.
• Key aspects like frequency, motivations, and impact require clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the incidence and impact of patient-initiated second opinions in oncology.
• To identify factors influencing seeking second opinions and their effects on patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar (2004-2024).
• Analysis of 60 peer-reviewed publications on patient-initiated second opinions in oncology.
• Evaluation of frequency, patient characteristics, motivations, and impact on diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and satisfaction.

Main Results:

• Second opinion seeking rates vary widely; younger, educated, female patients with advanced disease are more likely to seek them.
• Common reasons include seeking information, reassurance, expert advice, and treatment verification.
• Second opinions altered diagnoses, treatments, or prognoses in up to 69% of cases, often aligning with guidelines.
• High patient satisfaction was reported, with consultations being helpful and reassuring.

Conclusions:

• Patient-initiated second opinions significantly impact cancer care, influencing diagnoses, outcomes, and patient satisfaction.
• Further research and patient education are needed to understand barriers and optimize access to second opinions.