Remote second opinions are becoming increasingly important in cancer care, especially in the era of COVID-19.
A remote second opinion is when a patient's medical records are sent to a specialist in a different location, who provides an opinion on the patient's diagnosis and treatment plan without seeing the patient in person. Here are four reasons why remote second opinions are important in cancer care.
Access to expertise
One of the biggest benefits of remote second opinions is that they provide patients with access to expertise that may not be available in their local area. Many cancer patients live in rural or underserved areas where there may be a shortage of cancer specialists. By seeking a remote second opinion, patients can tap into the expertise of cancer specialists who may be located in major academic medical centers or other highly respected healthcare institutions.
Remote second opinions can also be valuable for patients who have rare or complex types of cancer. In some cases, the expertise needed to diagnose and treat these types of cancer may only be available at a handful of institutions around the world. Remote second opinions allow patients to access this expertise without having to travel long distances or incur the expense of traveling to another location.
Confirmation of diagnosis and treatment plan
Another benefit of remote second opinions is that they can provide patients with an additional level of confirmation of their diagnosis and treatment plan. Cancer diagnosis and treatment can be complex and involve multiple steps, and it's not uncommon for patients to seek a second opinion to confirm their diagnosis or make sure their treatment plan is the best one for their particular case.
Remote second opinions can also be useful in cases where there is a lack of consensus among local doctors about the best course of treatment. In these situations, a remote second opinion from a specialist who is not affiliated with the local medical community can provide an unbiased perspective that may help guide treatment decisions.
Improved outcomes
Studies have shown that remote second opinions can improve cancer treatment outcomes. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that patients who sought remote second opinions for breast cancer had changes to their treatment plans in 20% of cases, and that these changes were associated with improved survival rates.
Remote second opinions can also help patients avoid unnecessary or inappropriate treatments. In some cases, local doctors may recommend treatments that are not supported by the latest research or that are not appropriate for a patient's particular case. A remote second opinion from a specialist can provide patients with a more informed perspective on their treatment options, which can help them make more informed decisions about their care.
Convenience and cost savings
Finally, remote second opinions can be a convenient and cost-effective way for patients to access expert opinions. By using telemedicine technology, patients can communicate with specialists from the comfort of their own homes, without having to travel long distances or take time off work.
Remote second opinions can also be less expensive than traveling to another location for an in-person consultation. Many healthcare institutions offer remote second opinions at a fraction of the cost of an in-person consultation, making this an attractive option for patients who may be facing financial constraints.