Medical Talk shows more of entertainment than being educational

A new research has examined that Televised Medical Talk shows are considered more of entertainment than to serve their real purpose of being educational.

Researchers from University of Alberta have stated that shows such as 'The Dr. Oz Show' and 'The Doctors' are watched as a daily viewing rituals and to get to know about all the new medical research and therapies, but for show producers it's a winning ratings formula.

Mike Allan and Christina Korownyk conducted the research and found that out of 924 total recommendations examined, only four instances were there accompanying potential conflict of interest by the presenter and viewers were not being given enough information to make the best decisions.

Allan said that it doesn't allow patients to make a clear informed choice about what they heard, and they take these recommendations based on their trust of the host rather than making an informed choice based on the information provided.

Researchers advised all the viewers that while televised medical talk shows might be great entertainment, but listening to health-care providers who can give specific and balanced advice would leave them healthier and happier in the long run.

The study is published in the British Medical Journal.