Presentation at the BSA Medical Sociology Conference

Dr Sharifa Battashi presenting

On 11th September, Sharifa Battashi presented at the British Sociological Association’s annual Medical Sociology Conference at Northumbria University. Her presentation focused on the participatory data analysis approach used in the Participatory MS Study.

In this presentation, Sharifa talked about the approach the study team developed with the peer researchers to co-analyse the generated qualitative data from interviews and focus groups. The approach aimed to value lived experience as a form of expertise, shaping how findings were interpreted and grounded in the realities of life with MS. She shared reflections on how the participatory analysis process was designed and learnings from the process.

The discussion that followed the presentation involved questions centring on how best to reimburse peer researchers, what support is needed to engage them in data analysis, and how to manage issues of confidentiality when peers are interviewing others with MS from similar ethnic backgrounds.