Does the second opinion directive in Germany reach the patient? A parallel-convergent mixed-methods study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A Second Opinion Directive (SOD) was introduced in Germany in December 2018 for elective surgeries such as hysterectomy, tonsillotomy, tonsillectomy, and shoulder arthroscopy. The aim of the SOD is to avoid surgeries which are not medically induced and to support patients in their decision-making process. A physician who indicates an SOD-relevant procedure must inform the patient about the SOD and its specifications. At this time, it is not clear whether physicians provide information about the SOD to patients and whether and how the SOD is implemented in daily practice. Furthermore, nothing is known about how patients react when they are told that they have the right to seek a second opinion according to the SOD.

Methods

To assess this, we undertook a parallel-co

SUBMITTER: May S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10623803 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature