Megan Cooper Katie Hopf Krista Coccaro Katie Dill Ted Baskett Impact of Research Introduction A paper published

by Dr. Wakefield in 1998, was revoked accreditation based on wrongful data. Dr. Wakefield falsified information on a study of Autisms link to the MMR (measles mumps and rubella) vaccine. Thirteen children were observed in this study. The outcomes were adjusted to make his research sound more sufficient. Later studies by Mr. Deer found that many of the children had previous signs of slow development before the study and before the vaccine. Results were also different from the childrens medical records and parents responses. The impact of Wakefields paper has had several negative aspects. Because of Dr. Wakefields publication many parents have chose not to get their children vaccinated. Shortly after Wakefield's accusation that linked the MMR vaccine to autism the reported cases of measles, mumps, and rubella all increased. Wakefields paper has also caused a since of distrust towards the health industry by the general population. People are now doubting the objectivity of todays research, thinking instead that researchers are being compensated for their approval of medications and/or techniques. Before Wakefield even started researching, he tried to prove something he thought he already knew. He was involved in a lawsuit against manufacturers of the MMR vaccine which gained him about $750,000 in compensation. In my opinion, I believe that Wakefield wanted to be represented as an intelligent and caring man for showing families around the World that vaccines caused autism. However, Wakefield was only involved in this research due to the high compensation rate that was given to him. Instead of helping loving parents steer away from a possible disease, he created a sporadic outbreak which caused chaos with every family.

Many examinations have been conducted of Dr. Wakefield and his colleagues study linking autism to the MMR vaccine. The results of the examinations found Dr. Wakefield had falsified information. Dr. Wakefields work concerning other medical studies has also been discredited; furthermore he has been stripped of his medical practice and titles in Britain. In spite of the social stigma, schools, universities, and health care professionals are required to provide proof of receiving the MMR vaccine. However, even after extensive publicity informing the general public about the falsified studies, some parents are still very hesitant to take their child to receive the MMR vaccine. As nurses we need to educate our clients that this study is faulty and there is no relationship between vaccines and autism. We need to emphasize the negative impact of this study and the fact that there are sporadic outbreaks in the U.S. and has become endemic in England and Wales. There have been many hospitalizations and four deaths. We also need to educate clients on the positive effects of vaccines. Our role is to provide factual information to clients and answer all questions they may have.