Phenomenological study of seeking a second medical opinion

second medical opinion is a reevaluation of the diagnosis or treatment provided by a doctor, carried out by a second doctor from the same medical field. second opinion may have advantages for the patient, but implies the inefficiency of modern medicine and the problems of the health system; also may lead to patient confusion and resources waste. The study aims to identify "second medical opinion" phenomena and its effecting factors based on the experiences of patients. In this phenomenological study, the data gathered from interview with 40 people who had obtained a second opinion for an illness. data analysis showed that six factors influence seeking a second medical opinion, including: the nature of the disease, the characteristics of medical knowledge and practice, the doctor-patient relationship, patient autonomy, structural factors (commercial medicine and commodification of health, differences in the level of development, lack of referral system and health insurances) and the guidance of the first doctor. seeking a second medical opinion in Iran is an issue that has been neglected so far. patients seek a second medical opinion based on their perceptions and resources, in the absence of any official guidance and protocol. Planning and management of the second medical opinion can help reduce confusing of patients, reduce their treatment costs, and prevent overuse of health resources and facilities.second medical opinion is a reevaluation of the diagnosis or treatment provided by a doctor, carried out by a second doctor from the same medical field. second opinion may have advantages for the patient, but implies the inefficiency of modern medicine and the problems of the health system; also may lead to patient confusion and resources waste. The study aims to identify "second medical opinion" phenomena and its effecting factors based on the experiences of patients.