Seeking second medical opinion can reduce misdiagnosis, deaths

The death of Gani Fawehinmi, one of Nigeria’s foremost human rights activist came as a  shock to many in 2009, only a few knew he died of misdiagnosis. He was diagnosed with pneumonia in Nigeria but when he travelled out of the country, it was discovered that he actually had cancer, but by then it […]

The death of Gani Fawehinmi, one of Nigeria’s foremost human rights activist came as a  shock to many in 2009, only a few knew he died of misdiagnosis. He was diagnosed with pneumonia in Nigeria but when he travelled out of the country, it was discovered that he actually had cancer, but by then it was too late.

There are also cases where people are said to have HIV and other chronic illnesses when they actually have none. One woman was said to have a tumour in her womb and was about to be operated but at the last minute, another diagnosis was done only for her to discover it was pregnancy!

In another case, a doctor diagnosed a pregnant woman’s baby was dead in the womb and had already amputated a limb in an evacuation surgery when he discovered the baby was alive. He got sentenced last week, getting his practice licence suspended for six months.

Misdiagnosis has led to many after effects including the death of people concerned. Despite efforts to reduce or even stop it completely, misdiagnosis still remains one of healthcare’s most common problems, making medical errors one of the leading causes of deaths in many countries.

Poor standard or total lack of reliable and high-quality clinical laboratory equipment and out of pocket payment or inability to pay for crucial medical tests, late presentation at the hospital and other medical services are some of the reasons why cases of misdiagnosis are rampant in Nigeria.

Going by the prevailing opinion in the clinical practice, medical misdiagnosis does an incalculable injustice to patients because it is capable of destroying lives apart from causing patients and their families to waste scarce resources on treatment they may not need in the first place.

More patients all over the world are relying on second opinions after a diagnosis, just to be sure they are not being treated for headache when they merely had stomach ache.

Second opinion on diagnosis and treatment plans will help in avoiding the human or material costs that come with errors in diagnosis because the goal is to achieve a zero per cent level of error, which is good for all parties, including the medical profession.

Nigerians who require second opinion about their medical conditions and diagnosis after consulting with their primary care doctors or specialists, now have option to obtain complete medical advice from some of the world’s best specialists, courtesy of an initiative  known as Medical Second Opinion.

It is on this instance that some medical professionals around the world have gone back to the drawing board and evolved new cutting-edge techniques and innovative initiatives to address patient’s safety issues and halt the tide of this persistent medical challenge. Pioneering this innovative solution effort is Kingshaven Medical System Inc, a comprehensive medical clinic based in Houston, Texas, United States, providing complete medical services.

One of the objectives of the new initiative is to allow Nigerian patients have access to complete medical advice from some of the world’s best specialists.

The programme’s main consultant in Nigeria, Dr Adisa Abiola Senbanjo says, “We are not talking of day-to-day illnesses. When you are dealing with serious illnesses that need to be  screened twice, such as cancers and severe metabolic problems, that are going to cost you a lot of money and time, you definitely want to be sure that the diagnosis is right. When you are now sure of what you are dealing with, you can go ahead with treatment. This is not to promote medical tourism, it is just to be certain that the diagnosis is right.”

Sebanjo lamented that many Nigerians seek medical care abroad without knowing where to go or what to be done specifically, adding the new initiative comes with a package that is equivalent of a one-stop place for healthcare.

Promoters of second opinion initiative stressed that it gives patients peace of mind and confirmation to a diagnosis or a treatment plan as well as offer alternative options in terms of diagnosis and treatment plan beyond what the primary doctor has recommended.