What question did this study set out to answer?

The central question examines the role of lived experience in public health and how it complements scientific expertise.

April 12, 2026Open Access

Engaging communities in public health practice: lived experience or lived expertise?

LLLisa M. LeeVirginia Tech MMMarilyn MetzlerOffice of Minority Health and Health Equity

Key Points

The central question examines the role of lived experience in public health and how it complements scientific expertise.
Reviewed definitions and implications of 'expert' in public health.
Outlined arguments for considering lived experience as expertise.
Discussed concerns regarding the integration of lived experience into public health practices.
Expanded the definition of expertise to include lived experience.
Highlighted the importance of contextual knowledge in public health decisions.
Identified potential tensions between scientific and lived experience expertise.

Abstract

Use of the term ‘expert’ implies specialized knowledge, which is the case for scientists as well as people immersed in communities. Naming this expertise signals to all parties the essential value of understanding the context in which public health decisions are implemented. We outline arguments for and concerns about viewing lived experience as a complementary expertise akin to scientific expertise.

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Cite This Study

Lee et al. (Fri,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69db37774fe01fead37c56d6 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-026-02809-y

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