The Level of Accuracy in Selected Episodes of the First, Fourth, and Sixth Season of the Medical Television Drama, House M.D.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the accuracy of the presenting signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and treatments presented in the first 12 episodes of season one, the last 4 episodes of season four, and the last 7 episodes of season six of the television show, House, MD Methods: A descriptive retrospective evaluation of the accuracy of mentioned episodes and seasons of the television series House, MD was performed. The accuracy of the presenting signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and treatment in each episode was rated on a score of 1 to 4. A score of 1 represented information that was correct and average/and or usual, 2 and 3 indicated less accuracy, and 4 represented information that was not correct. Each researcher individually scored the episodes, and a final accuracy score was determined by consensus of the three reviewers. The results for seasons 4 and 6 were combined with episodes previously evaluated in other students’ projects. Results: The ANOVA results showed no statistically significant differences among the variables in Season 1, however, the treatment was the most accurate. In both season 4 and 6, the ANOVA test did demonstrate a statistically significant difference with the treatment group being most accurate. Conclusions: For season 1, there were no differences in accuracy of the treatments and diagnoses when compared to the signs and symptoms of each episode, however, for season 4 and 6, the treatments were more accurate than the presenting signs and symptoms and the diagnoses.