Issn Print: 0265-0215

Publication Date: 2006/06/01


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Incident anaesthesia management media disclosure: A-31

S. Parente; R. Loureiro

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Author Information: Department of Anesthesiology, H. S. Francisco Xavier, Lisboa; 2Fac Farmacia, Uni. Lisboa

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Excerpt

Background and Goal of Study: In 2002 two anaesthesia related deaths were reported by the media. Conflicting versions, comments and interpretations were put forward by different experts, scientific societies representatives, the Portuguese Medical Association and Health authorities. How the professionals, their representatives and the media handled the event.
Materials and Methods: Review of published materials regarding these events and the time frame of publication. Clipping of specialized and non specialized media published, radio and TV. Over fifty individual news were reviewed.
Results and Discussions: Studies and enquiries were announced but their final results were never disclosed. Conflicting and/or misleading reports were disclosed at different time trough different media channels. Some conclusions were drawn before complete evaluation of the facts and were released to the media.
Conclusion(s): Avoid the announcement of actions (studies, surveys, results, enquiries, reports) before they are concluded. Avoid jumping to conclusions without full assessment of all features of the events. Need for coordination between concerned professional organizations. Need for training in managing media disclosed events.
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