The bigger picture

How this paper was handled is an interesting take on how differently the findings of a clinical trial or scientific study can be interpreted and presented. The perceived audience certainly informs the approach taken, but it can also be used by certain outlets to further a stance or, worse, feed people’s anxieties.

When coming across something cited from research by the media, it is always a good idea to look at the original paper – decent sources will usually provide a link – to read about the conclusions and think of the team involved in the work, as nobody will know more about it than them. By doing this, you will build up knowledge of how research works and also start to sift out organisations, publications and websites that report sensibly, fairly and unsensationally. This is to the benefit of not only those working in healthcare, but everyone they deal with too.