Literature Review on Kawasaki Disease: Medical Accuracy and Portrayal in Grey's Anatomy
Eunice Borkor Bortequaye
University for Development Studies, School of Medicine (UDS-SoM), Tamale, Ghana.
Muneeb Ullah
*
Wuhan University of Science and Technology School of Medicine, Wuhan, China.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute inflammatory disorder that primarily affects children. KD exhibits distinct seasonal patterns, with incidence peaks typically occurring in the winter and early spring months. It can lead to several long-term cardiovascular complications. Grey’s Anatomy, a medical drama series that started in 2005, follows surgical interns, provides a notable representation of Kawasaki disease. The aim of this study is to examine the medical accuracy and portrayal of Kawasaki Disease in the series Grey’s Anatomy. This review finds that while the show can serve as an educational tool for both medical students and the public, the accuracy of medical portrayals varies. Therefore, this study recommends that medical dramas collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure the accurate representation of medical conditions and treatments in future.
Keywords: Geographic variations, cardiovascular complications, educational tool, storytelling, media influence