A Second opinion can be influenced by the first doctor

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Second opinions influenced by first doctor

Published: Jan. 30, 2011 at 1:59 AM

BEER SHEVA, Israel, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Physicians sought out for second opinions

may be influenced by the first opinion and other external factors, researchers

in Israel say.

Professor ph Pliskin of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and colleagues

presented hypothetical medical scenarios to orthopedic surgeons in Israel. Some

of the doctors were provided the first opinions and others were told the

patients had previously received treatment, but not what the treatment was.

" 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, " Pliskin

says in a statement.

" 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. "

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 it as well, the researchers say.

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.

The findings were presented at international meetings in Prague, Austria,

Toronto and Israel.

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