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Pediatric Otolaryngology

Second Opinions: Do Otolaryngologist Demographics Matter?

Tuesday, October 3, 2023
4:06 PM - 4:12 PM East Coast USA Time
Location: 207CD

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Lauren A. DiNardo, BS

    Medical Student
    Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
    Buffalo, New York, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Beatrice R. Bacon, BS

    Medical Student
    Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
    Basom, NY, United States

  • Erin M. Gawel, BS

    Medical Student
    Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
    West Seneca, NY, United States

  • AR

    Alyssa D. Reese, BA BS

    Medical Student
    Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
    Williamsville, NY, United States

  • Alexandra F. Corbin, BS

    Medical Student
    Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
    Buffalo, NY, United States

    • Senior Author(s)

  • Michele M. Carr, DDS MD PhD

    Professor
    Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
    Williamsville, NY, United States

Disclosure(s):
Lauren A. DiNardo, BS: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Michele M. Carr, DDS MD PhD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Introduction: Patients may receive information from their primary care physician (PCP) that does not match current American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) guidelines. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the frequency of parents deciding to seek a second opinion compared to the demographics of otolaryngologists who deliver guideline supported advice, contrary to advice from their PCP.

Methods: A survey was distributed to parents of new patients at a pediatric otolaryngology clinic. Demographics included parent age category, gender, race, and age of youngest child. The survey included a scenario depicting recurrent otitis media with clear ears and a suggestion to defer ventilation tube insertion per AAO guidelines after PCP recommended ventilation tubes. 13 variations of otolaryngologist photos were used in the case, including a control with no doctor picture, gender, age category (younger, older), and race. Each participant received one variation.

Results: 321 participants, 250 (77.9%) were female and 71 (22.1%) were male. 262 (81.6%) were age 30-49 years, 37 (11.6%) were younger and 22 (6.9%) were older. 267 (83.2%) were Caucasian, 16 (5.0%) were Black, 14 (4.4%) were Hispanic, and 12 (3.7%) were Asian. 197 (61.4%) would follow the doctor’s advice, 83 (25.9%) would seek a second opinion from another otolaryngologist, and 34 (10.6%) would get another opinion from their PCP. Gender matching with the doctor had no effect. However, if no doctor picture was provided (N=25), 80.0% of respondents would follow the doctor’s advice (N=20). For female doctors, 68.1% of respondents would follow advice with no difference between age categories. For male doctors, 54.7% of respondents would follow their advice, lower for older male doctors at 50.0% (p=.013). Participants were more likely to follow advice given if the otolaryngologist was pictured as younger (Exp(B)=4.278, p=.050) or female (Exp(B)=2.013, p=.012 ) by logistic regression.

Conclusions: In this group of respondents there is some evidence that physician age and gender are associated with parents’ seeking of a second otolaryngology opinion.