Second Opinions May Be Influenced by the First Doctor’s Opinion
Second Opinions May Be Influenced by the First Doctor’s Opinion
January 28, 2011
Medical Research, Press Releases
BEER-SHEVA, ISRAEL, January 27, 2011 — A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) researchers indicates that physicians who give second opinions may be influenced by the first opinion and other external factors.
In the study, the researchers presented hypothetical scenarios with no clear cut clinical answers to a national sample of orthopedic surgeons and neurologists. Some were told that the patients had previously received treatment recommendations, but were not told what they were, while others were told the first opinion. One group was informed that after each gave his or her opinion, the patient would be seeking an additional opinion from another doctor.
When the orthopedic surgeons knew that the first doctor had recommended a more interventional treatment, the doctor giving the second opinion was more likely to recommend one too. However, when those same doctors were informed that their patients would seek another opinion, the orthopedic surgeons were more likely to recommend more conservative treatment instead, such as physiotherapy.
According to BGU Prof. Joseph Pliskin, the Sidney Liswood Chair in Health Care Management, “In addition to the quantitative study, personal in-depth interviews with 35 orthopedic surgeons and neurologists found that they generally had a positive view of second opinions, and even encouraged patients to seek them. But second opinions also involve difficulties in patient-doctor relationships, and among specialists themselves. It is difficult for patients to choose what to do when several doctors offer conflicting advice.”
Specialists interviewed also noted the tension between public and private medicine, urban and periphery accessibility, as well as family and religious leaders’ involvement when seeking a second opinion, and the legal and economic aspects of second opinions. Prof. Pliskin recommends that patients seek an alternate opinion when they hesitate to take the advice of their own physician.
The study was presented at several international meetings in Prague, Austria, Toronto and Israel.
ABOUT AMERICANS FOR BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY
By supporting a world-class academic institution that not only nurtures the Negev, but also shares its expertise locally and globally, Americans for Ben-Gurion University engages a community of Americans who are committed to improving the world. David Ben-Gurion envisioned that Israel’s future would be forged in the Negev. The cutting-edge research carried out at Ben-Gurion University drives that vision by sustaining a desert Silicon Valley, with the “Stanford of the Negev” at its center. The Americans for Ben-Gurion University movement supports a 21st century unifying vision for Israel by rallying around BGU’s remarkable work and role as an apolitical beacon of light in the Negev desert.
About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev embraces the endless potential we have as individuals and as a commonality to adapt and to thrive in changing environments. Inspired by our location in the desert, we aim to discover, to create, and to develop solutions to dynamic challenges, to pose questions that have yet to be asked, and to push beyond the boundaries of the commonly accepted and possible.
We are proud to be a central force for inclusion, diversity and innovation in Israel, and we strive to extend the Negev’s potential and our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the world. For example, the multi-disciplinary School for Sustainability and Climate Change at BGU leverages over 50 years of expertise on living and thriving in the desert into scalable solutions for people everywhere.
BGU at a glance:
20,000 students | 800 senior faculty | 3 campuses | 6 faculties: humanities & social sciences, health sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences, business & management, and desert research.
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