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. 2017 Jan 2;35(1):62-69.
doi: 10.1080/07357907.2016.1242012. Epub 2016 Nov 28.

Information Deficits and Second Opinion Seeking - A Survey on Cancer Patients

Tobias Fuchs  1 , Hani Hanaya  1 , Eckart Seilacher  1 , Marie-Jolin Koester  1 , Christian Keinki  1 , Patrick Liebl  1 , Jutta Huebner  1
Affiliations

Information Deficits and Second Opinion Seeking - A Survey on Cancer Patients

Tobias Fuchs et al. Cancer Invest. .

Abstract

Objective: To learn more about cancer patients' motivation for seeking a second opinion.

Methods: Participants filled in a standardized questionnaire.

Results: Among 106 patients, 34% had looked for a second opinion, 81% wanted to check the accuracy of their treatment, and 49% needed to better understand the diagnosis. Low understanding of information was associated with looking for a second opinion, and 79% felt assured after a second opinion.

Conclusions: Seeking a second opinion may help cancer patients in coping with the disease. As data on benefits are missing, other strategies, such as qualified first opinion and a sound physician-patient communication, may be advisable.

Keywords: Cancer; Counseling; Information; Patients' needs; Second opinion.

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