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Communication about Prognosis during Patient-Initiated Second Opinion Consultations in Advanced Cancer Care: An Observational Qualitative Analysis

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  • N. C. A. van der Velden

    (Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Department of Medical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • M. B. A. van der Kleij

    (Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Department of Medical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • V. Lehmann

    (Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Department of Medical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • E. M. A. Smets

    (Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Department of Medical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • J. M. L. Stouthard

    (Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • I. Henselmans

    (Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Department of Medical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • M. A. Hillen

    (Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Department of Medical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Prognostic communication is essential for patients with advanced cancer to enable informed medical decision-making and end-of-life planning. Discussing prognosis is challenging, and might be especially complex for oncologists conducting a second opinion (SO). Survival data are often lacking, and consulting oncologists need to consider previously conveyed information and patients’ relationship with the referring oncologist. We qualitatively investigated how advanced cancer patients and consulting oncologists discuss prognosis during audio-recorded SO consultations ( N = 60), including prognostic information received from the referring oncologist. Our results show that patients regularly expressed implicit cues to discuss prognosis or posed explicit questions tentatively. Consulting oncologists were mostly unresponsive to patients’ cues and cautious to prognosticate. They also seemed cautious when patients brought up the referring oncologist. Consulting oncologists checked which prognostic information patients had received from the referring oncologist, before estimating prognosis. They agreed with the first opinion or rectified discrepancies carefully. Altogether, this study exposes missed opportunities for open prognostic discussions in SOs. Consulting oncologists could explicitly explore patients’ information preferences and perceptions of prognosis. If desired, they can provide tailored, independent information to optimise patients’ prognostic awareness and informed medical decision-making. They may additionally support patients in dealing with prognosis and the uncertainties associated with it.

Suggested Citation

  • N. C. A. van der Velden & M. B. A. van der Kleij & V. Lehmann & E. M. A. Smets & J. M. L. Stouthard & I. Henselmans & M. A. Hillen, 2021. "Communication about Prognosis during Patient-Initiated Second Opinion Consultations in Advanced Cancer Care: An Observational Qualitative Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-15, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:11:p:5694-:d:562485
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Miyaji, Naoko T., 1993. "The power of compassion: Truth-telling among American doctors in the care of dying patients," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 36(3), pages 249-264, February.
    2. Greenfield, Geva & Pliskin, Joseph S. & Feder-Bubis, Paula & Wientroub, Shlomo & Davidovitch, Nadav, 2012. "Patient–physician relationships in second opinion encounters – The physicians’ perspective," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(7), pages 1202-1212.
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    Cited by:

    1. Isolde Martina Busch & Michela Rimondini, 2021. "Empowering Patients and Supporting Health Care Providers—New Avenues for High Quality Care and Safety," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-5, September.

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