Hope or Hype : The Obsession with Medical Advances and the High Cost of False Promises

Medical science has always promised — and often delivered — a longer, better life. But as the pace of science accelerates, do our expectations become unreasonable, fueled by an industry bent on profits and a media desperate for big news? Hope or Hype is a taboo-shattering look at what drives the American obsession with medical "miracles," exposing the equipment manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies; doctors and hospitals too quick to order surgery; the politicians; the press; and our own "technoconsumption" mindset. The authors spread blame for the parade of so-called miracle cures that too often are marginally effective at best — and sometimes downright dangerous. They examine consumers' eager embrace of medical advances, and present riveting stories of the conscientious doctors and researchers who blew the whistle on ineffective treatments. Finally, they provide sane, practical recommendations for the adoption of new developments. The consequences of questionable practices include costly recalls, billions in wasted money, and the pain and suffering of innumerable patients and their families. In short, they must stop. Author Biography: Dr. Richard Deyo and Dr. Richard Patrick (Seattle, WA) are both professors at the University of Washington. Deyo was co-recipient of the Nellie Westerman Prize for research in medical ethics. He directs a fellowship program for policy-relevant research training, as well as the university's Center for Cost and Outcomes Research. Patrick is noted for his work on the links between quality of life, cost-effectiveness, and health policy. He has worked on drug studies for a wide variety of illnesses, and is a member of the Institute of Medicine, the most prestigious organization of health experts in the U.S. The Oklahoman "This book is timely and important" Annotation Medical science has always promised -- and often delivered -- a longer, better life. But as the pace of science accelerates, do our expectations become unreasonable, fueled by an industry bent on profits and a media desperate for big news?Hope or Hype is a taboo-shattering look at what drives the American obsession with medical "miracles," exposing the equipment manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies; doctors and hospitals too quick to order surgery; the politicians; the press; and our own "technoconsumption" mindset. The authors spread blame for the parade of so-called miracle cures that too often are marginally effective at best -- and sometimes downright dangerous. They examine consumers? eager embrace of medical advances, and present riveting stories of the conscientious doctors and researchers who blew the whistle on ineffective treatments. Finally, they provide sane, practical recommendations for the adoption of new developments. The consequences of questionable practices include costly recalls, billions in wasted money, and the pain and suffering of innumerable patients and their families. In short, they must stop Medical science has always promised -- and often delivered -- a longer, better life. But as the pace of science accelerates, do our expectations become unreasonable, fueled by an industry bent on profits and a media desperate for big news? Hope or Hype is a taboo-shattering look at what drives the American obsession with medical "miracles," exposing the equipment manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies; doctors and hospitals too quick to order surgery; the politicians; the press; and our own "technoconsumption" mindset. The authors spread blame for the parade of so-called miracle cures that too often are marginally effective at best -- and sometimes downright dangerous. They examine consumers' eager embrace of medical advances, and present riveting stories of the conscientious doctors and researchers who blew the whistle on ineffective treatments. Finally, they provide sane, practical recommendations for the adoption of new developments.The consequences of questionable practices include costly recalls, billions in wasted money, and the pain and suffering of innumerable patients and their families. In short, they must stop. "Hope or Hype is a look at what drives the American obsession with medical miracles. Dr. Richard Deyo and Dr. Donald Patrick - both experts on the ethical and policy issues facing the medical community and its constituents - spread the blame for the parade of false promises and compromises, indicting in equal measure the pharmaceutical and equipment companies; the doctors and hospitals too quick to order unnecessary and costly surgeries and medications; the politicians and media all too eager for a signature issue or a good story; and our own relentless demand to be "made healthy."". "Hope or Hype outlines the hazards - from unnecessary treatment to actual harm or even death - of embracing medical advances without serious consideration of efficacy, long-term benefit, side effects, cost, and other critical factors. The book also provides a frank and sometimes startling look at how companies get us to buy into the need for the most expensive treatments, and even manipulate clinical trials and data in order to present the "right" result."--BOOK JACKET. Hope or Hype' looks at what drives the American obsession with medical "miracles," revealing the roles of: equipment manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies; doctors and hospitals too quick to order surgery or expensive medications; the politicians; the press; and our own "technoconsumption" mindset CONSIDER some recent medical "breakthroughs" reported in the media: In 2002, James Quinn died in a Philadelphia intensive care unit.