Medical Accuracy in TV Shows and Movies: Separating Fact from Fiction
Summary
In this article, we explore the accuracy of medical scenes in TV shows and movies. We discuss various aspects of surgical accuracy and inaccuracies depicted in the media, including the correct way to perform a tracheotomy, the importance of vital signs, and the inaccuracies of using marijuana as an anesthetic. We also note the accuracy of certain scenes and instruments, such as a small bowel resection and the mesentery representation. Additionally, we touch on the importance of legal procedures and obtaining informed consent from families.
Table of Contents
- The Accuracy of Medical Scenes in TV Shows and Movies
- The Importance of Legal Procedures and Informed Consent
- Real-Life Medical Procedures and the Potential for Arterial Spray
The Accuracy of Medical Scenes in TV Shows and Movies
The depiction of medical procedures in TV shows and movies is often inaccurate. However, some scenes are portrayed with accuracy, such as the historical details of a medical drama and the depiction of an early prototype of a stapler used to connect two portions of the small bowel. The representation of the mesentery in a show is also accurate, unlike its usual depiction in Hollywood.
The competitiveness of surgeons is also a common theme in TV shows and movies, and some even time themselves during procedures. Certain surgical instruments are preferred by some surgeons, and some instruments are named after the people who invented them. However, the dramatisation of bleeding in TV shows and movies is often exaggerated, and it is unlikely for a major problem to go unnoticed before inducing a patient under anesthesia.
The Importance of Legal Procedures and Informed Consent
Legal procedures and obtaining informed consent from families are crucial in the medical field. Inaccuracies in these areas are often depicted in TV shows and movies, such as residents performing surgeries without proper supervision in Grey’s Anatomy. The importance of each member of the medical team having a specific job is also highlighted, as hysterical family members can be a potential distraction.
Real-Life Medical Procedures and the Potential for Arterial Spray
In addition to TV shows and movies, real-life medical procedures also have their own unique challenges. The removal of unexploded ordnance is a real-life procedure that requires caution, and the potential for arterial spray in open wounds is a real risk that must be taken into account.
Conclusion
Medical accuracy in TV shows and movies is often inaccurate, but some scenes are portrayed with accuracy. Legal procedures and obtaining informed consent from families are crucial in the medical field, and real-life medical procedures also have their own unique challenges. By separating fact from fiction, we can gain a better understanding of the medical field and appreciate the accuracy of certain scenes.
