List date(s) this work was published or aired.
23-Nov-11
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
An “epidemiologic investigation” of the Centers for Disease Control’s failed research program on chronic fatigue syndrome, with a major focus on the agency’s flawed and harmful research approach. Non-CDC researchers, patients, and advocacy organizations have long criticized the CDC’s chronic fatigue syndrome research program for multiple failings. Yet news organizations have given the agency a free ride on this issue–largely because the illness remains so poorly understood. This story was an effort to rectify that oversight. The upshot of the reporting: The agency has focused major resources on investigating purported psychiatric and trauma-reltated factors using flawed research methodologies while largely dismissing the idea that infectious agents are likely involved. As a result, progress on finding answers has been off-track for years.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Chronic Fatique Syndrome Federal Advisory Committee minutes and testimony, dozens of epidemiologic studies.
Explain types of human sources used.
Many ill patients, researchers, clinicians.
Results:
Not applicable
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No clarifications or corrections requested
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Read federal advisory committee meeting minutes–they can be very revealing!