Second opinion programmes in Germany: a mixed-methods study protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Second opinion programmes aim to support the patients' decision-making process and to avoid treatments that are unnecessary from a medical perspective. The German second opinion directive, introduced in December 2018, constitutes a new legal framework in statutory health insurance for seeking second opinions for elective procedures and so far includes tonsillectomy, tonsillotomy, hysterectomy and shoulder arthroscopy. The directive mandates physicians who recommend one of the above-mentioned surgeries to inform their patients of their legal right to visit a certified second opinion provider. Since second opinion programmes are a fairly recent phenomenon in Germany, no comprehensive data are yet available on the degree of implementation, users, potential barriers and th

SUBMITTER: Bruch D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7878127 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature