Instagram photos prompted an investigation of Michigan doctors who were apparently playing a game inspired by The Price Is Right.
But instead of guessing the price of an item, they were guessing how much their patient’s surgically-removed organs weighed, according to the Daily Beast.
Noting that WOOD-TV first obtained and reported the social media posts, the outlet stated that one of the posts read: “The other game we play in the OR is guess that weight... It applies to much more than just babies. As always, ‘Price Is Right’ rules apply so if you go over then you’re out!”
WOOD-TV reported that the doctor in a picture shared on Instagram appeared to hold the fibrous tissue of a patient who was still on the operating table.
The station blurred the organ and the doctor’s face, but both were clearly displayed on the social media site, according to WOOD-TV. The account was deleted shortly after WOOD-TV attempted to contact the group of doctors.
It happened among medical residents at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, though the employees have not been publicly identified, according to the New York Times.
Spectrum Health issued a statement about the Instagram posts:
“We were shocked and dismayed when we learned that surgical images were posted on an Instagram account not officially connected to Spectrum Health that was used by a group of medical residents.”
Spectrum Health also stated to WOOD-TV:
“The privacy of patients and the confidentiality of their medical information is a priority at Spectrum Health. We were disappointed to learn that surgical images were posted on an Instagram account used by a group of residents and are taking steps to resolve this issue. These posts do not follow our code of excellence or our expectations for team member behavior. The Instagram account has been closed and a full investigation is underway.”
“Health care is not a game to people, it’s their life,” Caitlin Donovan of the Patient Advocate Foundation told WOOD-TV. “How do you trust someone who does that? You want to make sure as a patient that you trust your provider. You want to make sure they respect you. If you don’t think your doctor respects you as a person, then how in the world can you trust them with your life?”
Photo: Getty Images