Accepted: 29 April 2024 / Published online: 4 June 2024 | Vincent Dumez, Audrey L'Espérance
The article "Beyond Experiential Knowledge: A Classification of Patient Knowledge" by Vincent Dumez and Audrey L’Espérance challenges the dominant model of knowledge in medicine and healthcare by explicitly and tangibly defining various forms of patient knowledge. The authors aim to provide a better understanding of experiential knowledge by classifying six types of patient knowledge: embodied, monitoring, navigation, medical, relational, and cultural knowledge. These categories are derived from the sources of learning: the self, the system, and the community. The article highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing patient knowledge in co-building care plans and improving care relationships. It emphasizes that patient knowledge is not only a source of valuable information but also a form of expertise that should be integrated into healthcare practices. The authors argue that recognizing and mobilizing patient knowledge can help address epistemic injustice and power imbalances in healthcare, ultimately leading to more equitable and effective care.The article "Beyond Experiential Knowledge: A Classification of Patient Knowledge" by Vincent Dumez and Audrey L’Espérance challenges the dominant model of knowledge in medicine and healthcare by explicitly and tangibly defining various forms of patient knowledge. The authors aim to provide a better understanding of experiential knowledge by classifying six types of patient knowledge: embodied, monitoring, navigation, medical, relational, and cultural knowledge. These categories are derived from the sources of learning: the self, the system, and the community. The article highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing patient knowledge in co-building care plans and improving care relationships. It emphasizes that patient knowledge is not only a source of valuable information but also a form of expertise that should be integrated into healthcare practices. The authors argue that recognizing and mobilizing patient knowledge can help address epistemic injustice and power imbalances in healthcare, ultimately leading to more equitable and effective care.