A qualitative approach to experiential knowledge identified in focus groups aimed at co-designing a provocation test in the study of electrohypersensitivity

Abstract

Overview

Patients' experiential knowledge is increasingly recognized as valuable in biomedical research. This study explores contributions of experiential knowledge in refining research priorities and understanding illnesses more organically.

Findings

• The study narrates a participatory approach involving electrohypersensitive individuals, using focus groups to develop an experimental protocol for studying their condition.
• It emphasizes the role of patient associations and the potential for collaborative biomedical investigation.
• The complexity of electrohypersensitivity (EHS) and the challenges in translating experiential knowledge into usable research formats are discussed.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of experiential knowledge as a foundation for designing research protocols. The interaction between experiential and experimental knowledge presents unique challenges and opportunities in understanding EHS, underlining the necessity of a sensitive and inclusive research methodology.

KEY MESSAGES: Experiential knowledge aids research protocol design. Participatory approaches foster valuable protocol co-design. The complexity of EHS illustrates difficulties in transforming experiential knowledge into practical research methodologies.