Alessandro R Marcon1, David Allan2, Morgan Barber3, Blake Murdoch1, Timothy Caulfield1,4. 1. Health Law Institute, Faculty of Law, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2H5. 2. Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Canadian Blood Services, University of Ottawa, Ottawa ON, Canada, K1Y 4E9. 3. University of Alberta, Faculty of Law, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2H5. 4. School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 1C9.
Abstract
Aim: This study examined how umbilical cord blood (UCB) use was portrayed in the English language North American popular press. Methods: Directed content analysis was conducted on 400 articles from 2007 to 2017 containing 'cord blood,' published by the most read Canadian and American news sources. Results: A total of 86.3% of the articles detailed UCB treatments and therapies, the majority of which align with clinical evidence. Some articles portrayed speculative/experimental therapies as efficacious. Public and private banking initiatives received substantial attention, and were portrayed diversely. Promotional narrative messaging was evident around private banking. Conclusion: Findings demonstrate the need for continual monitoring of the media portrayals of UCB as stem cell and transplantation research develops and as clinics continue to operate.
Aim: This study examined how umbilical cord blood (UCB) use was portrayed in the English language North American popular press. Methods: Directed content analysis was conducted on 400 articles from 2007 to 2017 containing 'cord blood,' published by the most read Canadian and American news sources. Results: A total of 86.3% of the articles detailed UCB treatments and therapies, the majority of which align with clinical evidence. Some articles portrayed speculative/experimental therapies as efficacious. Public and private banking initiatives received substantial attention, and were portrayed diversely. Promotional narrative messaging was evident around private banking. Conclusion: Findings demonstrate the need for continual monitoring of the media portrayals of UCB as stem cell and transplantation research develops and as clinics continue to operate.