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AMONG MEDICINE’S MOST ENDURING MYTHS

Michael Monette
CMAJ September 18, 2012 184 (13) E705-E706; DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.109-4254

Michael Monette
CMAJ
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There are any number of valid reasons why a patient might want to seek a second
medical opinion. He may want reassurance before embarking on a treatment plan or
undergoing invasive surgery. He may have felt that he was rushed out the
doctor’s door without having had the opportunity to obtain answers to all his
questions. Or he may have felt the physician overlooked some information in his
diagnosis

One of the precepts of Canada’s health care system is that aggrieved or confused
patients always have the option of seeking a proverbial second medical opinion.

But is that more than an enduring, and perhaps reassuring, but entirely
meaningless myth? Is it really feasible or even possible to get a second medical
opinion?

Possibly, although observers note that the wait for a second opinion can be even
longer than the wait for the first opinion, particularly when it comes to
getting the second opinion of a medical specialist.

Not that getting a medical opinion from a second family physician is necessarily
any easier than getting one from a specialist. Already, Canadians are on long
waiting lists just to obtain a family doctor. It almost makes the notion of
finding a family physician who’d be willing to provide a second opinion entirely
comical.

Given the lengthy wait times, the majority of patients balk at getting a second
medical opinion, notes Sholom Glouberman, president of the Patients’ Association
of Canada. De facto, wait times have turned getting a second medical opinion
into “one of those things that’s available in principle but unavailable in
practice in Canada.”

Others fear that getting a second opinion will compromise their treatment, and
ultimately, their health, says Heather Chapman, founder of the Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan-based Patient Factor, an advocacy group and “an independent online
source” for news and opinions about health care (http://thepatientfactor.com).

Patients less than impressed with a doctor’s diagnosis can seek second opinions
but may have to wait even longer than for first opinions, particularly if
seeking them from a specialist.

Image courtesy of © 2012 Thinkstock


Compounding the situation, particularly when it comes to obtaining an opinion
from a second specialist, is the fact that patients are already being
prioritized on wait lists, she adds. Those seeking second opinions typically get
pushed to the bottom of the roster.

But there are other barriers, including the not entirely unjustified concern
that patients will offend the delicate sensibilities or egos of their physicians
by seeking second opinions, Glouberman notes.

Such physician resistance to second medical opinions isn’t appropriate, says Dr.
Ruth Wilson, a professor of family medicine in the Department of Medicine at
Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, and past president of the College of
Family Physicians of Canada. “We’re not perfect and thinking about things from a
different point of view or through a second set of eyes can sometimes turn up a
different diagnosis or a different approach that’s more helpful to the patient.”

What research is available certainly supports the proposition that there is
value in obtaining a second opinion. A study of 466 surgical oncological
patients concluded that “one third of patient-initiated second opinion
consultations resulted in a discrepancy with the first opinion” and that half
resulted in “major changes in therapy or prognosis” (EJSO 2006; 32:108–12).
Another study of 814 cases of patients facing head and neck surgery found that a
second review of the pathology “resulted in 54 (7%) changed diagnoses. Of the
changed diagnosis, 13 (24%) involved a change from a benign to a malignant
diagnosis; 8 (15%) involved a change from a malignant to a benign diagnosis; and
33 (61%) involved a change in tumor classification” (Head Neck 2002; 24:684–93).
Similarly, a review of the pathologic material of 213 patients suspected of
having a urologic malignancy found that there was a difference of opinion in 10%
of cases, leading to the conclusion that “a second opinion review of surgical
pathology for urologic malignancy can result in major therapeutic and prognostic
changes” (Urol Oncol 2011; 29:194–8).

By international standards, Canada appears to be one of the worst performing
nations when it comes to second medical opinions, according to reports issued by
the Health Consumer Power-house, a private company based in Danderyd, Sweden,
and the Frontier Centre for Public Policy, an independent think tank with
offices in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Regina, Saskatchewan; and Calgary, Alberta.

In all three reports, Canada received the lowest grade in the “right to a second
opinion” performance indicator, a mark reserved for those countries that don’t
ensure the right to a second opinion or those with “severe obstacles that very
often cause difficulties accessing a formal right” to a second opinion.” The
most recent iteration, Euro-Canadian Health Consumer Index 2010
(www.fcpp.org/files/1/ECHCI2010%20Final.pdf) states that “many of the provincial
bodies that license doctors do explicitly note that patients have a right to a
second opinion. But since a second opinion from a specialist requires a referral
and often a lengthy wait, even those regions that seek to provide second
opinions have great difficulty in translating this into reality. … (Further) the
literature indicates that the accessibility of second opinions remains much
worse than that of specialist referrals in general.”

But patients who’d like second medical opinions, particuarly those with deep
pockets, aren’t entirely without options.

There’s always the option of seeking a second opinion from a private clinic,
Chapman notes. There are also online services, based in the United States, that
allow patients to submit their medical records and obtain second opinions
remotely for a fee, typically on the order of US$500–US$1500.

As well, there are services such as Best Doctors Canada and WorldCare, which
collect a patient’s medical records, test results and other pertinent data for
review by physicians. But membership is required to access these services, which
are provided strictly within the parameters of employee benefit packages or
private insurance plans.

When it comes to obtaining a second opinion from a second specialist, some
physicians say the hurdle isn’t as high as many believe, and generally doesn’t
involve marathon wait times.

It depends in large part on “the acuity of the patient’s situation,” says Dr.
Danielle Martin, chair of Canadian Doctors for Medicare and a practising family
physician in Toronto, Ontario. “If the reason for the second opinion is because
it appears the person is really ill, they’ll get their second opinion very
quickly. If the reason that they want a second opinion is because they want
another discussion of the pros and cons of a treatment they’re already taking,
they may wait a very long time and I actually don’t think that’s necessarily
inappropriate.”

Moreover, Martin argues, triaging such patients according to the urgency of
their condition promotes good use of specialists’ time, even if it means that a
lower priority patient has to wait longer for that second opinion.

As well, patients who want a second specialist’s opinion can always consult
their family doctor, Martin adds. “You serve a translation function as a family
physician. We tend to have more time to spend with our patients, we have that
longitudinal relationship... We know a lot more about them because we’ve known
them for a long time. So we can provide that context that the specialist who is
seeing a patient for the first time may not have.”




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Vol. 184, Issue 13
18 Sep 2012
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   relationships with external partners, including other blood operators and
   academic institutions, and will facilitate collaboration and partnerships to
   enhance CBS’ capabilities and to promote knowledge sharing. The Associate
   Medical Director will play a leadership role on internal and external
   committees and will actively engage in national and international
   conferences. Finally, the Associate Medical Director will work closely with
   the CBS Public Affairs team by participating in media relations and
   stakeholder engagement activities. As an ideal candidate, you have an MD
   degree, with specialty training in a relevant field being considered an
   asset. A current university faculty appointment or the ability to obtain one
   is desirable. You have five years of related experience, including
   leadership, strategy and policy development within a complex organization and
   representing an organization externally. You possess strong analytical
   abilities, coupled with effective problem solving and decision-making skills,
   and you are a highly capable written and verbal communicator. You also have a
   proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with
   internal and external customers and stakeholders at all levels. You are known
   for your integrity, collaboration, adaptability, respect, and excellence in
   every situation and for your highly strategic and forward-thinking approach.
   This is a multifaceted role, both medically and organizationally, and
   requires a physician leader who places a high value on innovation and
   developing highly collaborative relationships to continue to advance the
   mission of CBS. Are you ready to embark on a meaningful and inspiring
   journey, where what you do matters? Be part of Canada’s lifeline. Because we
   can all be the reason, the connection, that keeps Canadians living. To apply
   for this position, please visit boyden.thriveapp.ly/job/2437 . For more
   information, please email Paul Marshall at pmarshall@boyden.com . Diversity
   and inclusion play a vital role in ensuring health equity for patients across
   Canada. Canadian Blood Services is committed to reflecting Canada’s
   population in its organization and fostering an environment where all
   employees can be their authentic selves, with equal opportunities to succeed
   and contribute. To protect the health and safety of its employees, all
   Canadian Blood Services’ employees are required to be fully vaccinated
   (COVID-19 vaccine doses as approved by Health Canada), subject to any medical
   or other human rights grounds. Persons who have been vaccinated outside of
   Canada must contact their local Public Health Unit to obtain a vaccine
   equivalency certificate. We thank all applicants for their interest, however
   only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.
 * Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, UHN:
   Academic Radiation Oncologist
   The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (610 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G
   2M9) is seeking an academic Radiation Oncologist within the Radiation
   Medicine Program (RMP). The successful candidate is expected to have a track
   record of successfully obtaining grants and peer-reviewed publications, and
   will provide outstanding care in areas of clinical need within the department
   such as: lymphoma, breast cancer, and/or genitourinary cancers. Candidates
   with experience in radiotheranostics are encouraged to apply. The successful
   candidate will also lead an impactful research program in areas relevant to
   radiation oncology, aligned with their sites of practice, and serve as a role
   model, teacher and mentor to students, residents and radiation oncology
   fellows. Preference will be offered to individuals who are certified, or
   eligible to be certified, in Radiation Oncology by the Royal College of
   Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. The successful candidate must be eligible
   for an academic appointment in the Department of Radiation Oncology,
   University of Toronto, and must hold and satisfy physician licensure
   requirements in Ontario. All candidates must be able to demonstrate
   functional proficiency in English. Preference will be given to candidates
   with permanent residency or citizenship status in Canada. The Radiation
   Medicine Program (RMP) is an academic department within Princess Margaret
   Cancer Centre/University Health Network (UHN) serving the radiation oncology
   needs of the Toronto central area. RMP is a tertiary referral resource for
   the Greater Toronto Area and the province, serving Ontarians and Canadians
   for specialized programs and services such as pediatric radiation oncology,
   sarcoma, head and neck cancer, ocular oncology, gamma knife, brachytherapy,
   and stem cell transplants (total body irradiation). RMP aspires to be the
   leading Radiation Medicine Program in the world by providing exemplary
   patient care, research and education; we value and expect innovation in all
   aspects of our activities. The Department of Radiation Oncology is currently
   staffed by 37 radiation oncologists, providing >7,000 new patient
   consultations, and delivering >10,000 courses of radiation treatment
   annually. There are state-of-the-art imaging and radiation treatment
   equipment including three CT-simulators, a MR simulator, 16 linear
   accelerators (Elekta and Varian), two gamma knife units, and a MR Linac.
   There are advanced clinical and research programs in IGRT, SBRT,
   brachytherapy (HDR), adaptive planning, MR-guided RT, genomics, radiomics,
   and translational research, with personalized radiotherapy approaches
   including an active clinical trials program in collaboration with
   international cooperative groups. There is a robust education program ranging
   from undergraduate to postgraduate medical, physics and radiation therapy
   training within the University Department of Radiation Oncology, including
   over 20 Radiation Oncology Residents, and over 20 Clinical and Research
   Radiation Oncology Fellows. Remuneration will be commensurate with
   experience, with an expected range of $340,000 - $400,000 per annum (which is
   comprised of payments from the Ontario Association of Radiation Oncology and
   fee for service billings). Benefits may include group insurance benefits
   package and relocation benefits. There is an allowance for annual leave and
   additional allowance for professional development activities and scientific
   meetings. Applications will be accepted until December 5, 2023 or until
   filled, with a target start date of summer 2024. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you
   wish to apply for this position, please forward your CV and a letter of
   intent to: David Kirsch, MD, PhD, FASTRO, FAAAS Head, Radiation Medicine
   Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Head, Department of Radiation
   Oncology, University Health Network Senior Scientist, Princess Margaret
   Cancer Centre Peter and Shelagh Godsoe Chair in Radiation Medicine Professor,
   Departments of Radiation Oncology & Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto
   610 University Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2M9 Tel: 416-946-2094, Fax:
   416-946-2038 Email: patricia.lee@uhn.ca
 * One Health Medical Centre: Family physician (One Health Medical Centre)
   Vacancies: 3 Terms of Employment: This is a full-time position, 36 to 40
   hours per week. Must be available in the daytime, evenings, and weekends.
   Part-time, Casual or Locum opportunities are also available. Anticipated
   Start Date: As soon as possible Salary: Fee for Service (Approximately
   $260,000 to $360,000 per year) Location: 407 Iroquois Shore Rd. Unit 6F
   Oakville, ON L6H 1M3 Experience: Minimum one year Education: Doctor of
   Medicine Work Setting: Family Medicine Walk-in Language: English License :
   CCFP / College of Family Physicians Certificate Licensure by Provincial or
   Territorial Authorities / Medical Council of Canada Family physician's
   primary duties: Examining patients and taking their histories Order
   laboratory tests, X-rays, and other diagnostic procedures Consult with other
   medical practitioners to evaluate patients' health Prescribe and administer
   medications and treatments Inoculate and vaccinate patients to prevent and
   treat diseases Advise patients on healthcare Communicate health
   promotion/disease prevention to patients Provide Counselling and support to
   patients and their families on a wide range of health and lifestyle issues
   Please apply by: Mail or in-person: 407 Iroquois Shore Rd. Unit 6F Oakville,
   ON L6H 1M3 Email: onehealthoakville01@gmail.com
 * Meadowvale Medical Centre: Family physician (Meadowvale Medical Centre)
   Vacancies: 01 Terms of Employment: This is a full-time position, 36 to 40
   hours per week. Must be available in the daytime, evenings, and weekends.
   Part-time, Casual or Locum opportunities are also available. Anticipated
   Start Date: As soon as possible Salary: Fee for Service (Approximately
   $260,000 to $360,000 per year) Location: 6750 Winston Churchill Blvd.
   Mississauga, ON L5N 4C4 Experience: Minimum one year Education: Doctor of
   Medicine Work Setting: Family Medicine Walk-in Pharmacy Language: English
   License : CCFP / College of Family Physicians Certificate Licensure by
   Provincial or Territorial Authorities / Medical Council of Canada Family
   physician's primary duties: Examining patients and taking their histories
   Order laboratory tests, X-rays, and other diagnostic procedures Consult with
   other medical practitioners to evaluate patients' health Prescribe and
   administer medications and treatments Inoculate and vaccinate patients to
   prevent and treat diseases Advise patients on healthcare Communicate health
   promotion/disease prevention to patients Provide Counselling and support to
   patients and their families on a wide range of health and lifestyle issues
   Please apply by: Mail or in-person: 6750 Winston Churchill Blvd. Mississauga,
   ON L5N 4C4 Email: aa01901@sympatico.ca

 




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Citation Toolsclose
Among medicine’s most enduring myths
Michael Monette
CMAJ Sep 2012, 184 (13) E705-E706; DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.109-4254


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