Public perceptions of CPR survival rates based on TV shows

In a recent article in Resuscitation, it was indicated that public perceptions of CPR survival rates are influenced by what they see on popular medical television programs. It isn't like this on TV: revisiting CPR survival rates depicted on popular TV shows follows up on a study from the 1990s where it was shown that the rates of survival following CPR were far higher in popular TV shows than actual rates.  The authors of this recent paper wanted to revisit this in light of today's enhanced communication and education, and also to ascertain if current shows depicted discussions of care preferences and advance directives.  

The research looked at Grey's Anatomy and House, where CPR was depicted 46 times over 96 episodes, with a survival rate of 69.6%, which is almost twice the actual rate.  There were only two mentions of advance directives. "Inaccurate TV portrayal of CPR survival rates may misinform viewers and influence care decisions made during serious illness and at end of life."

Portanova J, Irvine K, Yi J, Enguidanos S. Resuscitation, v.96, p.148-150, 19 August 2015.
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