Patient-Driven Second Opinions in Oncology: A Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although patient-driven second opinions are increasingly sought in oncology, the desirability of this trend remains unknown. Therefore, this systematic review assesses evidence on the motivation for and frequency of requests for second opinions and examines how they evolve and their consequences for oncological practice.

Materials and methods

Relevant databases were sought using the terms "cancer," "second opinion," and "self-initiated." Included were peer-reviewed articles that reported on patient-initiated second opinions within oncology. Selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed and discussed by two researchers.

Results

Of the 25 included studies, the methodological designs were qualitative (n = 4), mixed (n = 1), or

SUBMITTER: Hillen MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5634767 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature