You are here

Article Text

Article menu
Download PDFPDF
Original article
Second opinion in breast pathology: policy, practice and perception
  1. Berta M Geller1,
  2. Heidi D Nelson2,
  3. Patricia A Carney3,
  4. Donald L Weaver4,
  5. Tracy Onega5,
  6. Kimberly H Allison6,
  7. Paul D Frederick7,
  8. Anna N A Tosteson5,
  9. Joann G Elmore7
  1. 1Department of Family Medicine, OHPR, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
  2. 2Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
  3. 3Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
  4. 4Department of Pathology, University of Vermont and Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont, USA
  5. 5Norris Cotton Cancer Center and The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
  6. 6Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
  7. 7Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
  1. Correspondence to Dr Berta M Geller, Department of Family Medicine, University of Vermont, OHPR, 1 South Prospect Street, Burlington, VT 05401-3444, USA; berta.geller{at}uvm.edu

Abstract

Aims To assess the laboratory policies, pathologists’ clinical practice and perceptions about the value of second opinions for breast pathology cases among pathologists practising in the USA.

Methods Cross-sectional data were collected from 252 pathologists who interpret breast specimens in eight states using a web-based survey. Descriptive statistics were used to characterise findings.

Results Most participants had >10 years of experience interpreting breast specimens (64%), were not affiliated with academic centres (73%) and were not considered experts by their peers (79%). Laboratory policies mandating second opinions varied by diagnosis: invasive cancer 65%; ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) 56%; atypical ductal hyperplasia 36% and other benign cases 33%. 81% obtained second opinions in the absence of policies. Participants believed they improve diagnostic accuracy (96%) and protect from malpractice suits (83%), and were easy to obtain, did not take too much time and did not make them look less adequate. The most common (60%) approach to resolving differences between the first and second opinion is to ask for a third opinion, followed by reaching a consensus.

Conclusions Laboratory-based second opinion policies vary for breast pathology but are most common for invasive cancer and DCIS cases. Pathologists have favourable attitudes towards second opinions, adhere to policies and obtain them even when policies are absent. Those without a formal policy may benefit from supportive clinical practices and systems that help obtain second opinions.

  • Breast Pathology
  • Breast Cancer
  • Laboratory Management

https://doi.org/10.1136/jclinpath-2014-202290

Statistics from Altmetric.com

    Request Permissions

    If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.

    View Full Text