Inaccuracies in the Second Half of the Third Season of the Medical Drama, House, MD

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the degree of accuracy of the information relevant to signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures used to establish the final diagnosis, and appropriateness of treatment for the last 12 episodes of the 3rd season of the television show, House, MD. METHODS: Twelve episodes were reviewed by three evaluators and the patient’s signs and symptoms, the diagnostic procedures used, and the treatment of the final diagnosis for each episode were recorded and rated based on accuracy. After each evaluator had rated each variable in each episode independently, the ratings were compared and a final rating for each variable was determined. RESULTS: The overall mean rating for signs and symptoms was 2.46. The overall mean rating for diagnostic procedures was 2.38. The overall mean rating for treatment was 1.77. All of these ratings would correlate to a correct, but somewhat unusual presentation. The ANOVA analysis found no statistically significant difference between groups (p=0.078). CONCLUSION: The signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and treatments in the episodes of the second half of season three of House, MD were all portrayed in a manner that was accurate, but with a somewhat unusual presentation.