Healthy Skepticism Library item: 2466

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Fontanarosa PB, DeAngelis CD.
The importance of the journal embargo.
JAMA 2002 Aug 14; 288:(6):748-50
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/288/6/748

Abstract:

Coordinated release of the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) report involving use of estrogen-plus-progestin hormone therapy was essential for accurate and timely communication to physicians and patients. Detailed plans for coordinated communication by the WHI investigators and JAMA editors including study results, publication of manuscript, accompanying editorial, participant information, news releases, provision of electronic files and details of website posting are described. An embargo break with unauthorised release of information disrupted the plans for orderly communication. Details of the breach are given with its resultant widespread media coverage before physicians and participants had access to the full article and editorial. The Journal disagrees with the view of the Detroit Free Press who contend that their story was not a breach of the embargo. Reasons are given for this view. Sanctions against the Detroit Free Press and its reporter are stated. The Journal believes the current embargo policy is appropriate, effective and fair and serves to foster accurate reporting. The policy details are given. The editors acknowledge that the current system of press releases could be improved, and that the embargo system will come under increased scrutiny and pressure.

Keywords:
Estrogen Replacement Therapy*/adverse effects Female Humans Mass Media* Periodicals* Publishing* Time Factors United States *editorial