Second opinions in orthopaedic surgery: extent, motives, and consequences

The aim of this study was to make a first inventory of the phenomenon of second opinions, with a view to determining to what extent second opinions contribute to an appropriate and efficient use of public health care and to the guidance of further deployments. The study described in this thesis does not supply answers to all questions. For instance, owing to the study design chosen, no firm conclusion is possible regarding the extent to which second opinions contribute to the patients’ wellbeing. In addition, there is a need for more investigation of the questions how the growth of second opinions is evolving and how it might be streamlined better.