- http://www.capradio.org/news/documentaries/an-ounce-of-prevention/part1
- http://www.capradio.org/171265
- http://www.capradio.org/ounceofprevention/notebook
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
April 6th, 2012 (a shorter, 4 minute version aired a few days earlier)
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Studies show that a small number of frequent visitors to emergency rooms are often responsible for a disproportionate share of the cost. One hospital in Visalia, California is tacking this problem through intensive “life-coaching.” As a result, it’s changed patients’ lives, and improved finances, too.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
I read reports from the California HealthCare Foundation and other data relating to health care outcomes, air quality, obesity, and population statistics. I also requested information from the California Department of Health Care Services.
Explain types of human sources used.
This involved following the main source, Wendy Martinez, over a couple of days. I was able to interview and gather sounds from subjects in circumstances where journalists are not often given access.
Results:
None that are notable.
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.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
I got this story by being a “fly on the wall.” This kind of intimate sound-rich storytelling requires more time than the usual feature story.