Paediatria Croatica, Vol. 51 No. 1, 2007.
Review article
THE PARADIGM OF A SECOND OPINION IN THE FIELD OF PAEDIATRIC MEDICINE
ANTUN KLJENAK
MIRKO ŽGANJER
FILIP JURIĆ
FRANJO BARTOLEK
KATJA ROZMAN
Abstract
Before starting treatment, the parents of a sick child may want another doctor to review the diagnosis and treatment plan. Getting a second opinion allows them not only to confirm the diagnosis, but also to gain a different perspective on the child’s treatment options. Some doctors are more conservative and others more aggressive. When parents are invited to make choices their clinicians need to explain about clinical uncertainty and how individual values and preferences may relate to treatment decisions for their child. The options should be communicated in a clear manner, differences in opinion should be acknowledged and the doctor's own preference stated. Parents need to be encouraged and supported to make their decision—whether or not it reflects their doctor's preference. There are a number of ways to find specialists to consult for a second opinion: The scope of this phenomenon is not well understood . Also it is not clear whether it is warranted or not. However sometimes second opinions can mean the difference between life and death.
Keywords
Descriptors: REFERRAL AND CONSULTATION; PEDIATRICS; PARENTS; PROFESSIONAL – PATIENT RELATIONS; DECISION MAKING
Hrčak ID:
11852
URI
Publication date:
2.5.2007.
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