[National second-opinion network for testicular cancer patients. Results of a user survey]

The national second opinion project of the German Testicular Cancer Study Group (GTCSG) has served to improve the quality of care provided to testicular cancer patients since 2006.

A recent online survey was carried out to characterize the users of the second opinion offer and clarify their motivation for participating in the project. Furthermore, the aim was to identify weaknesses of the project which could be improved. A total of 440 users of the second opinion project were contacted of whom 192 participated in the survey.

In summary, the data collected showed a high degree of satisfaction among the participants who appreciated the second opinions received. Some issues with a need for improvement, predominantly in the structural organisational area, were disclosed. These served as a basis for a recently completed revision of the project immanent internet-based communication platform with a new data mask facilitating the introduction of patients with relapsed tumors. Interestingly, a high proportion of survey participants expressed the desire for establishment of a similar second opinion project for patients with penile cancer (77.1% of the participants).