Evaluating the patient reported reasons, challenges and outcomes of oncology second opinion.

Authors

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William Barrett

University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH

William Barrett, Khadega Abuelgaslm, Moussab Damlaj, Abdul-Rahman Jazieh

Organizations

University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute, Newark, DE, Division of Hematology Oncology, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Cincinnati Cancer Advisors, Cincinnati, OH

Research Funding

Other
Cincinnati Cancer Foundation

Background: Due to the disease complexity and life-threatening nature, many patients with cancer seek a second opinion (SO) pursuing the best help to navigate through their disease journey. In this study, we evaluated the reasons for seeking SO, challenges, and outcome. Methods: This is a cross section study using a 62-item questionnaire inquiring about patients’ demographics, reasons, challenges, comparison between primary specialists (PS) and SO specialists, and SO outcome. Patients with cancer diagnosis served at the collaborating institutions between January and November 2022 completed the survey either on paper copy or online via provided link to a SurveyMonkey form. Results: 425 surveys were sent, and 205 (48%) patients responded. Median age at diagnosis was 67 years (19-90), 80% were males, 93% were white and 36% had private insurance. A total of 137 (67%) sought a SO. The most frequent reason to seek SO was lack of confidence in treatment plan (52%). Recommendations of SO were different from PS recommendations in 48% of the cases. Predictors of seeking SO on a multivariate analysis (MVA) were diagnosis after 2015, having metastatic disease, and having private insurance. 54% of the those sought SO transferred care to other physicians, 43% to the ones who provided SO. The MVA of factors related to patient characteristics revealed that having genitourinary malignancies, metastatic disease, and private insurance were predictors of changing PS. Factors related to PS performance are depicted in Table 1. Conclusions: A high percentage of patients received SO changed their PS to the physicians who provided the SO. Empathy and confidence are essential to maintain the relation with physician. Social determinants of health such as insurance has significant impact on seeking SO and changing PS.

Univariate and multivariate analysis of predictors of changing PS in factors related to primary specialist (PS) performance and second opinion (SO) outcome.
FactorUnivariable OR
(95% CI; P value)
Multivariable OR
(95% CI; P value)
Factors related to PS performance
Poor communication2.5 (1.1-6; 0.03)NS
Lack of empathy4.7 (1.7-14.9; 0.002)7.8 (1.4-42.4; 0.018)
Lack of confidence in provider2.4 (1.1-5.4; 0.02)NS
Lack of confidence in the treatment plan3.1 (1.5-6.4; 0.0026)NS
Poor office setting / setup8.3 (1.5-155; 0.014)NS
Poor behavior of staff members3.1 (0.8-11.9; 0.11)
Factors related to SO outcome
Difference between PS and SO recommendations5.2 (2.5-11.1; < 0.001)3.5 (1.3-9.7; 0.017)
Increased confidence in PS recommendation after SO0.2 (0.1-0.4; < 0.0001)0.34 (0.12-0.95; 0.04)
Likelihood to recommend SO3.9 (1.004-15.1; 0.049)NS
Change in the level of confidence in PS after SO0.65 (0.3-1.4; 0.25)
SO strengthening the relationship with PS0.12 (0.04-0.26; < 0.0001)0.11 (0.04-0.35; 0.0002)

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Abstract Details

Meeting

2023 ASCO Quality Care Symposium

Session Type

Poster Session

Session Title

Poster Session A

Track

Quality, Safety, and Implementation Science,Cost, Value, and Policy,Patient Experience,Survivorship

Sub Track

Provider Impact on Quality From the Patient Perspective

Citation

JCO Oncol Pract 19, 2023 (suppl 11; abstr 361)

DOI

10.1200/OP.2023.19.11_suppl.361

Abstract #

361

Poster Bd #

F18

Abstract Disclosures

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