We’ve told you before that we appreciate the no-nonsense approach of the Washington Post “Quick Study” column. This week they published another – on the recent study of tai chi for fibromyalgia.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/03/AR2010090305147.html
It concludes:
CAVEATS Data were based on the participants’ ratings of their pain and their answers to questionnaires. The number of participants was small, and the study did not assess long-term effectiveness. The results may have been influenced by participants’ beliefs and expectations, although the researchers said they tried to de-emphasize tai chi by telling participants that the study would test the effects of two types of exercise programs, one combined with education.
Oh, if only we could get that kind of short, evidence-based scrutiny in all of our health news stories!
Opinions on other issues in news, journals, PR, advertising, marketing
Puleeeeease... this 'game changer' weight loss drug causes more nausea and vomiting than a placebo. Some game, some change. My friend Gary would spank you for using the eighth word medical reporters should never, ever use. @garyschwitzer @thackerpd
https://www.healthnewsreview.org/toolkit/just-journalists-writing-tips-case-studies/7-words-and-more-you-shouldnt-use-in-medical-news/ https://twitter.com/OttawaCitizen/status/1361426796126830597
A scary @statnews Op-Ed warns that govt attempts to rein in Pharma may cut off access to "life-changing" drugs.
It takes @garyschwitzer to let us know: the author spent 10 years as Pfizer's public-policy chief. https://twitter.com/garyschwitzer/status/1360325022578053123
.@TranspariMED criticizes STAT op-ed for not disclosing pharma funding of author’s institute - similar to criticism we’ve made of STAT op-eds in the past. @transparify @ThinkTankWatch @icer_review https://www.healthnewsreview.org/2021/02/transparency-watchdog-criticizes-stats-non-disclosure-on-pro-pharma-op-ed/
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