Second opinion opportunity declined: patient typology and experiences regarding the decision-making process preceding elective surgeries in Germany.

ABSTRACT:

Background

To address the problem of overuse of elective surgery and to support patients in their decision-making process, a Second Opinion Directive was introduced in Germany, which enables patients with statutory health insurance to obtain a second opinion for certain surgical indications. The study aims to identify, based on the experiences of patients who have undergone elective surgery, the role of seeking a second opinion in reaching their decision.

Methods

Sixty-two patients who had undergone an elective surgery (hysterectomy, tonsillectomy, shoulder arthroscopy) were recruited using purposive sampling and interviewed during October to December 2020. The transcribed interviews were analysed using a framework analysis to create a typology from the patient's perspective

SUBMITTER: May S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9643974 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature