‘Peppa Pig is to blame for unrealistic expectations of GP services’
British Medical Journal says show’s Dr Brown Bear encourages inappropriate use of NHS primary care
FROM the ageing population to a chronic staffing shortage, there are no end of reasons commonly given for the crisis afflicting general practice.
But, until now at least, no one has sought to lay the blame at the trotters of a cartoon character adored by millions of children – Peppa Pig.
That, however, is precisely the thrust of an article in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), which blames Peppa’s highly dedicated and responsive GP, Dr Brown Bear, for single-handedly fostering unrealistic expectations about family doctors.
The publication has highlighted no fewer than three examples in which the GP, who later displays symptoms of “burnout”, provides “clinically inappropriate” home visits or prescriptions.
It is even suggested Dr Brown Bear is fuelling the rise of antimicrobial resistance, which officials have warned risks returning medicine to the Dark Ages.
First aired in 2004, the show is now watched in more than 180 countries.
Dr Catherine Bell, the BMJ author, a Sheffield GP and mother, believes that “exposure to Peppa Pig and its portrayal of general practice raises patient expectation and encourages inappropriate use of primary care services”.
In the first example, Dr Brown Bear makes an urgent home visit to the three-year-old piglet, Peppa, who has a facial rash. He advises her parents the condition is “nothing serious” and offers medicine.
This, however, is slammed as unnecessary prescribing for a viral illness that might encourage patients to access their GP inappropriately because the rash is likely to clear up on its own.
The author goes further: in another episode, George Catches a Cold, Dr Brown Bear again makes an urgent visit to treat the 18-month-old piglet George, who has cold symptoms.
After examining the throat, he diagnoses an upper respiratory tract infection and advises bed rest and warm milk. This too is criticised as unnecessary, although Dr Bell acknowledges the advice may encourage the family to “self-manage similar illnesses in future”. General practice in England is currently under intense strain, with the
‘Dr Brown Bear appears to provide his patients with an excellent service’
latest figures showing 12.2 per cent of positions are vacant and waiting times soaring.
But doctors also believe the pressure is being exacerbated by needless visits.
In June the British Medical Association said one in four patients seen by GPS could have cared for themselves at home or seen another professional.
Dr Bell writes: “Dr Brown Bear, a single-handed GP with whom the Pig family is registered, appears to provide his patients with an excellent service – prompt and direct telephone access, continuity of care, extended hours, and a low threshold for home visits.
“But could this depiction be contributing to unrealistic expectations of primary care?”
In the end, Dr Brown Bear’s hectic schedule catches up with him and he begins to develop coughing symptoms. In what, perhaps, is the least realistic scene of all, loyal patients flock to the surgery to give him medicine.
Prof Helen Stokes-lampard, the chairman of the Royal College of GPS, said that behind Dr Bell’s tongue-incheek article lay a “serious message”.
“Whilst GPS cherish the unique relationships we have with our patients – and the trust our patients have in us – we are not always the most appropriate healthcare professional to seek medical advice from, if indeed it is necessary at all,” she said.
“At this incredibly tough time, we would encourage patients to think hard as to whether they need a GP, or whether they can self-care or seek help from pharmacists, who are highly-trained to offer advice on minor ailments.”