Every year the BMJ (British Medical Journal) publishes a special series of papers for their Christmas issue. They tend to have light-hearted or funny themes, but are also required to be actual studies – no spoofs, hoaxes or fabricated studies. Here are a few highlights from this year’s series (must be on the WUSM network/Becker proxy to access):
It’s a common stereotype in pop culture that men tend to complain more when dealing with mild illnesses (aka “man flu”). This study from Kyle Sue, MD, looks at possible genetic reasons why men and women might experience illnesses differently.
Does “Peppa Pig” encourage inappropriate use of primary care resources?
Doctors are usually shown in a positive way in toddler cartoons. However, Dr. Brown Bear from “Peppa Pig” might be setting up unrealistic expectations for parents. The author discusses three cases where Dr. Brown Bear may have provided an excessive level of care to his pig patients.
Does pride really come before a fall? Longitudinal analysis of older English adults
The objective for this study was to test whether high levels of reported pride are associated with subsequent falls in the older English adult population.
The full moon and motorcycle related mortality: population based double control study
This study looks at whether our fascination with the full moon might also lead to an increase in motorcycle accidents and mortality rates in the US.
Doctor fails: early warning signs of physician fatigue?
A compilation of humorous “doctor fails” and discussion about problems with physician fatigue.
Want more? Here are some more articles from the issue:
- Associations of pet ownership with biomarkers of ageing: population based cohort study
- Santa's little helpers: a novel approach to developing patient information leaflets
- Non-existent authors
- Individual differences in normal body temperature: longitudinal big data analysis of patient records
- 10-minute consultation: Mastering management language syndrome
- Efficacy of educational video game versus traditional educational apps at improving physician decision making in trauma triage: a randomized controlled trial
- An Anglo-American medical lexicon
- From app developer to WhatsApp queen—stereotypes of 21st century doctors
Happy reading!