Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in television medical dramas: Results of the TVMD2 study

Ramirez, Luz; Diaz, Jose; Alshami, Abbas; Varon, Daryelle S.; Einav, Sharon; Surani, Salim; Varon, Joseph

doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2020.03.018

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 24 publications

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“…Both studies commented on the paucity of advanced directives and end-of-life discussions. A more recent study confirmed that survival rates of cardiac arrest victims remain above 60% in a large number of television medical dramas, and that the quality of CPR technique is generally poor [27]. Our study confirms that the depiction of resuscitation after cardiac arrest continues to be skewed.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

Depiction of Resuscitation on Medical Dramas: Proposed Effect on Patient Expectations

Bitter

Patel

Hinyard

2021

Cureus

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The public has unrealistic views regarding the success of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and one potential source of misinformation is medical dramas. Prior research has shown that depictions of resuscitation on television are skewed towards younger patients with acute injuries, while most cardiac arrests occur in older patients as a result of medical comorbidities. Additionally, the success rate of televised resuscitations on older shows has vastly exceeded good outcomes in the real world. We sought to understand resuscitation outcomes on current medical dramas and to review the literature for evidence that media affects patient decision-making. We reviewed medical dramas to evaluate the demographics of cardiac arrest victims and the success rate of resuscitations and compared the results to outcomes for real-world patients. Medical dramas continue to focus on trauma as the main cause of cardiac arrest and portray favorable outcomes more frequently than should be expected. Patients who believe the overly optimistic prognoses portrayed on television may be more likely to desire aggressive medical care in the face of serious illness. Healthcare workers should anticipate the need to counter misinformation when discussing patient goals of care and end-of-life planning.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%