The televised adventures of Peppa, a little pig, could lead to the misuse of medical care. This conclusion, more than original, is drawn from a study carried out by Doctor Catherine Bell, in the United Kingdom. She started from the personal observation that more and more parents came to see her immediately for minor ailments of short duration. As a mother of a toddler, she was able to witness many episodes of this cartoon for children, and saw part of the answers to the questions she was asking herself. The results of his reflection appeared in the Christmas issue of British Medical Journal, which disseminates funny and original studies.
Demanding patients
Peppa Pig brings together more than 11 million viewers every week in 180 countries around the world. Catherine Bell therefore thinks that the representation of medicine that this cartoon conveys can have a significant influence. The doctor of this colorful universe, a bear named Dr. Brown Bear, seems to offer excellent service by answering the phone systematically and coming to your home. The author focused on 3 episodes in particular where this character intervened more than usual.
Each time, worried parents immediately call Dr. Brown Bear, who rushes to the bedside of sick children suffering from a cough, rash or cold. It may even come back several times a day to make sure the condition doesn’t get worse. The bear then systematically prescribes medication, even in the event of viral disease or when he says it’s nothing.
Catherine Bell recalls that home medical visits are more expensive. Going there without valid reasons and prescribing unnecessary drugs makes this “doctor” a character who wants to enrich himself rather than show himself to be devoted to his patients. Even though this cartoon conveys noble principles such as “eating a balanced diet and helping others”, it seems that some effort needs to be made regarding the connection to medicine. The study ends with a touch of humor, as the author reports that Dr. Brown Bear did not wish to comment on the case and the results of an investigation into these aptitudes to practice medicine are awaited.
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