eJHaem (Feb 2023)

UK media reporting of NICE recommendation of crizanlizumab for patients with sickle cell disease

  • Richard J Buka,
  • Noémi Roy,
  • Phillip LR Nicolson

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/jha2.623
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 1
pp. 13 – 17

Abstract

Read online

Abstract Crizanlizumab was recommended for use in patients with sickle cell disease in the UK in October 2021 and received widespread media coverage. Accuracy of reporting is paramount in building trust with this group of patients who are often wary of the medical profession. We carried out an analysis of internet‐based news articles and applied a validated scoring system to assess quality. 21 articles from 19 media organisations were identified. 71% of articles stated unproven benefits of the drug and only 14% were of satisfactory quality. The former was largely due to quoting of two NHS England press releases. Overstating of drug efficacy may be detrimental to the need to address healthcare inequalities.

Keywords