Analysis of motives and patient satisfaction in oncological second opinions provided by a certified university breast and gynecological cancer center.
Arch Gynecol Obstet
; 301(5): 1299-1306, 2020 05.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32274639
PURPOSE: Second opinions in oncology are becoming increasingly important in an era of more complex treatments and a growing demand for information by patients. Therefore, we analyzed their effects and influencing factors like patients' motives, subjective extent of information and satisfaction with communications. METHODS: This prospective study evaluated second opinions for patients with breast cancer or gynecological malignancy. The patients received a questionnaire before and two months after, which inquired expectations, reasons, and satisfaction with the second opinion and the attending physicians. RESULTS: A total of 164 patients were included and the majority had breast cancer (75.0%). Receiving the second opinion made 89.7% feel better informed, their need for information decreased (from 75.3% to 39.2%, P < 0.0001), and satisfaction with doctor-patient communications increased (from 61.9 to 91.8%, P = 0.0002). There were various reasons for requesting a second opinion, e.g., the extremely stressful situation of a cancer diagnosis, hope for change in the treatment recommendation or dissatisfaction with the initial physicians. CONCLUSIONS: Second opinions can lead to significantly greater patient satisfaction, meeting the need for information and leading to better management of patients in the extremely stressful situation of a cancer diagnosis. Doctor-patient communications play a key role.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Encaminhamento e Consulta
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Neoplasias da Mama
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Neoplasias dos Genitais Femininos
Tipo de estudo:
Guideline
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Observational_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Female
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Humans
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Arch Gynecol Obstet
Assunto da revista:
GINECOLOGIA
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OBSTETRICIA
Ano de publicação:
2020
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Alemanha