How to Peddle Hope: An Analysis of YouTube Patient Testimonials of Unproven Stem Cell Treatments.

ABSTRACT: Providers capitalize on patient testimonials to market unproven stem cell treatments (SCTs). We evaluated 159 YouTube videos and found patients discussed health improvements (91.2%), praised providers (53.5%), and recommended SCTs (28.9%). In over a third of the videos, providers posed questions to patients, thereby directing narratives and making them a powerful marketing tool.

SUBMITTER: Hawke B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6565870 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature