Ear infections in kids: Think twice about surgery

Cross-posted from: Consumer Reports Health Blog: Ear infections in kids: Think twice about surgery

July 26, 2010

Ear infections in kids: Think twice about surgery

Should you consider ear tubes for your child to prevent ear infections? Probably not, according to a study from researchers at New York’s Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Nearly 670,000 children had tubes surgically inserted into their ears in 2006, making it the most common operation performed on children. But most children who have the surgery don't need it, according to the study, which was published in the British Medical Journal. Investigators who reviewed the records of 682 kids (average age was just under 4) who had the procedure concluded that about 70 percent of the operations performed were inappropriate, based on criteria created by an expert panel, as well as guidelines developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Medicine, and the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery.

And it’s not like the issue of overuse is new: 16 years ago, a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that more than half of the operations were not fully justified. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that surgery should generally be reserved for children who have fluid in the middle ear with persistent hearing loss or other signs and symptoms that last for several months.
The risks of surgery and anesthesia may be downplayed to avoid fear. Still, as parents, we need the facts to make an informed choice. Remember, too, that surgery isn't always a magic bullet. Children might still get ear infections afterward, and they might require repeat operations. So get the facts before choosing surgery. Your child—and you—will sleep more soundly.
—Rosemary Gibson, guest blogger

Rosemary is the author of "The Treatment Trap: How the Overuse of Medical Care is Wrecking Your Health and What You Can Do to Prevent It," Ivan R. Dee, publisher, 2010

Does your child get frequent ear infections? These tips can help prevent them.

PrimeTime Radio: Overused, Overtreated and Out of Control

PrimeTime Radio: Overused, Over-treated and Out of Control - AARP

With healthcare in the national spotlight, Rosemary Gibson turns her focus on unnecessary surgery, needless x-rays and tests. Wasteful medical practices not only drive up healthcare costs, but can also be harmful to patients.

In The Treatment Trap Gibson urges patients to ask questions and take control of their healthcare. She has been a consultant for the Medical College of Virginia and the Virginia State Legislature’s Commission on Health Care.

Listen as Gibson discusses the dangers of wasteful medical practices with PrimeTime Radio host Mike Cuthbert.

Marketplace: Q & A about End of Life Care

Questions and answers about end-of-life care | News In Brief | Marketplace from American Public Media

Posted by Caitlan Carroll on July 21, 2010 2:28 PM

"Today and yesterday on Marketplace, we ran a set of stories about end of life care. Yesterday, we looked at the economics of dying. Why is it so expensive? Do we get the care we want?"

"Today, we look specifically at palliative care. Palliative care is a relatively new specialty that’s gaining broader interest among the medical community. A lot of palliative care is geared toward people with terminal illnesses, but it can also be applied to those with chronic conditions. Palliative care helps people manage their symptoms and ease suffering...."

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MON, 7/26 5:00 PM Treatment Trap Book Signing in New Brunswick, NJ

Author Rosemary Gibson will sign copies of her latest book, "The Treatment Trap," from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Sister Marie de Pazzi Conference Center at Saint Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick. The cost of the book with autograph will be $20 at the event, which will also be broadcast on C-SPAN.

Gibson led national quality and safety initiatives at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for 16 years, and "The Treatment Trap" discusses how more medical care is not always better. Gibson also is the author of "Wall of Silence," which tells the story of the Institute of Medicine report "To Err is Human.

Click here for directions

cross-posted from: www.MyCentralNewJersey.com

4/17/10 Interview on Talkzone.com Internet Radio

April 17, 2010 - The Treatment Trap 

You’ve probably heard every angle on our nation’s healthcare system, and then some. But it might surprise you to find out too much medical treatment can be hazardous to your health. Then, speaking a different language can be valuable in the workplace. Now one expert says that includes the ability to translate between men and women.

Episode Segments:

InfoTrak: Unnecessary Medicine Healthcare expert Rosemary Gibson, author of The Treatment Trap: How the Overuse of Medical Care Is Wrecking Your Health and What You Can Do to Prevent It outlined what she believes is the most neglected issue in American medicine today: the overuse of medical care, including needless surgery and testing. She explained why the problems have become routine among many doctors, and offered ways that healthcare consumers can be sure they are getting appropriate care.