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May 31, 2008
Researchers cite problems with media coverage of medical topics
In the Wall Street Journal's (5/28) Health Blog, Scott Hensley wrote that "[a]n independent analysis of 500 stories about medical topics by major consumer print and broadcast outlets in the U.S. found [that] 'journalists usually fail to discuss costs, the quality of the evidence, the existence of alternative options, and the absolute magnitude of potential benefits and harms.'"
The analysis was published in the May issue of the online journal PLoS Medicine by "Gary Schwitzer, B.A., of the University of Minnesota School of Journalism," and colleagues, MedPage Today (5/28, Smith) added. According to Schwitzer, the "coverage also usually ignores the quality of the evidence, and the existence of other options." But, "85 percent of the time, the mainstream media put the true newness of a procedure or product into context."
The investigators reached these conclusions after "monitor[ing] the top 50 newspapers (in circulation) in the U.S., the Associated Press, the three leading newsweekly magazines (Time, Newsweek, and U.S. News & World Report), and the morning and evening newscasts of ABC, CBS, and NBC."
Related Links:
- "How Do American Journalists Cover Medicine? Not Very Well," Scott Hensley, Wall Street Journal, May 28, 2008.
- " How Do US Journalists Cover Treatments, Tests, Products, and Procedures? An Evaluation of 500 Stories," Gary Schwitzer, PLoS Medicine, Vol. 5, No. 5, e95.
- "Mainstream Health Coverage Rated Unsatisfactory," Michael Smith, MedPage Today, May 28, 2008.
Posted by admin at May 31, 2008 11:23 AM