Clinical value of second opinions in oncology: A retrospective review of changes in diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Data on the clinical value of second opinions in oncology are limited. We examined diagnostic and treatment changes resulting from second opinions and the expected impact on morbidity and prognosis.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients presenting in 2018 to a high-volume cancer center for second opinions about newly diagnosed colorectal, head and neck, lung, and myeloma cancers or abnormal results. Two sub-specialty physicians from each cancer type reviewed 30 medical records (120 total) using a process and detailed data collection guide meant to mitigate institutional bias. The primary outcome measure was the rate of treatment changes that were "clinically meaningful", i.e., expected to impact morbidity and/or prognosis. Among those with trea

SUBMITTER: Lipitz-Snyderman A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10134380 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature