Reducing uncertainty: motivations and consequences of seeking a second opinion in oncology.

CONCLUSIONS: SOs can yield psychological benefits by reducing patients' uncertainty, but the added medical value remains debatable. Referring oncologists may not be fully aware of their patients' information needs. Patients should be better informed about goals and benefits of SOs to better manage their expectations. More cost-effective ways of optimally providing medically and psychologically valuable SOs need to be explored.
PMID: 32702254 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Acta Oncologica - July 22, 2020 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Lehmann V, Smets EMA, de Jong M, de Vos FYF, Kenter GG, Stouthard JM, Hillen MA Tags: Acta Oncol Source Type: research