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Second opinions in surgical pathology
K O Leslie1, R E Fechner, R L Kempson
1University of Virginia, Department of Pathology, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Deciding when to seek a second opinion in anatomic pathology is complex. Factors like interpretation skills, experience, ego, and cost influence consultation patterns.
Area of Science:
- Anatomic Pathology
- Medical Decision-Making
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- The decision to seek a second opinion in anatomic pathology is multifaceted.
- Understanding the factors influencing this decision is crucial for optimizing patient care and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the complex issue of when to obtain second opinions in anatomic pathology.
- To analyze the cognitive, experiential, and economic factors influencing consultation patterns.
Main Methods:
- The authors discuss the cognitive processes involved in morphologic interpretation.
- Expertise influence on the need for second opinions is examined.
- The role of ego and economic factors in consultation patterns are analyzed.
Main Results:
- Expertise significantly influences the perceived need for a second opinion.
- Cognitive aspects of morphologic interpretation are central to the decision-making process.
- Economic considerations and personal ego can impact consultation behaviors.
Conclusions:
- The decision for a second opinion in anatomic pathology is not solely based on diagnostic uncertainty.
- A comprehensive understanding of cognitive, expertise-related, psychological, and economic factors is necessary.
- Further research into optimizing consultation strategies in anatomic pathology is warranted.