The Level of Accuracy in the Sixth Season of the Medical Television Show, House M.D.

Abstract

Specific Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of accuracy of medical information presented in the sixth season of the popular prime time medical drama, House M.D. Methods: The study was a descriptive, retrospective assessment of twelve episodes in the sixth season of the medical television show, House M.D. Three parameters were compared to reliable medical sources: signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and medical treatment for the one primary medical problem portrayed in each episode. Three researchers reviewed each episode independently and rated the accuracy of each parameter. The accuracy of each dependent variable was rated on a scale of one to four (most to least accurate, respectively). After discussion, a consensus rating was determined for all three variables for all twelve episodes. Main Results: The average accuracy scores for the signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and medical treatments were 2.08, 2.58 (ie.,least accurate), and 1.5 (ie., most accurate), respectively. The average accuracy score across the three parameters was 2.06 (correct but somewhat unusual). The one-way ANOVA analysis on the variables revealed a statistically significant difference among the groups, with a p value of 0.003. The Tukey HSD test confirmed the statistically significant difference between diagnostic procedures and treatment (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The treatments portrayed in twelve episodes of season six were judged more accurate than signs and symptoms and diagnostic procedures. The average accuracy score of the three groups determined that the medical information presented in the episodes seemed to be correct but somewhat unusual.