Illustration: Marcelle Louw for GIJN
Guide
Investigating Health and Medicine
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This guide to reporting on health and medicine issues was originally published in November 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Original authors Serena Tinari and Catherine Riva have updated it as of November 2024, to include a revised introduction, additional insights throughout including lessons learned from covering the coronavirus outbreak, and a new chapter on behind-the-scenes reporting strategies.
The guide was edited by GIJN Resource Center Director Nikolia Apostolou. Illustrations are by Marcelle Louw.
Chapters
Chapter Guide Resource
Health and Medicine Guide: Preface & Introduction
Combining the methods and standards of muckraking and Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) can be highly effective.
Chapter Guide Resource
Health and Medicine Guide: Regulating Drugs — Development & Approval
If your story is about drugs, it is essential to delve into their development and approval history.
Chapter Guide Resource
Health and Medicine Guide: A Study Is Not Just a Study
In order to work as an investigative journalist in health and medicine, remember that flaws in scientific methodology often indicate that further digging is needed.
Chapter Guide Resource
Health and Medicine Guide: The Scientific Basis of Influence
One of the first things you learn as an investigative reporter is to beware of unconscious biases, including what is known as “anchoring” or “cognitive tunneling.”
Chapter Guide Resource
Health and Medicine Guide: Behind-The-Scenes Reporting Strategies
Comprehensive investigations in the field of health and medicine start with the question: Who benefits? Why is this person or institution promoting this medical intervention?
Chapter Guide Resource
Health and Medicine Guide: Reporting About Safety
Investigative reporters need a systematic understanding of drug development and testing, including a review of the related literature and data.
Chapter Guide Resource
Health and Medicine Guide: Tips on Traps, Hype & Ethics
Although in parts of the world investigating pharmaceuticals can be physically dangerous, in others you risk your reputation rather than your life.
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Health and Medicine Guide: Appendix
Glossary of Terms, Regulatory Agencies, and Bibliography.