title: Second opinion in breast pathology: policy, practice and perception.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
authors: Department of Family Medicine, OHPR, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA.
authors: Berta M
authors: BM
authors: Geller
authors: Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
authors: Heidi D
authors: HD
authors: Nelson
authors: Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
authors: Patricia A
authors: PA
authors: Carney
authors: Department of Pathology, University of Vermont and Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont, USA.
authors: Donald L
authors: DL
authors: Weaver
authors: Norris Cotton Cancer Center and The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA.
authors: Tracy
authors: T
authors: Onega
authors: Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA.
authors: Kimberly H
authors: KH
authors: Allison
authors: Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
authors: Paul D
authors: PD
authors: Frederick
authors: Norris Cotton Cancer Center and The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA.
authors: Anna N A
authors: AN
authors: Tosteson
authors: Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
authors: Joann G
authors: JG
authors: Elmore
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000473:pathology; D002285:Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / Q000473:pathology; D002983:Clinical Competence; D032921:Consensus; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D010338:Pathology, Clinical / Q000458:organization & administration; D010465:Perception; D011050:Policy Making; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000458:organization & administration; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce
keywords: Breast Cancer; Breast Pathology; Laboratory Management