Workshops as a Research Method in Health Science: Epistemological and Methodological Perspectives

AIM: The aim of this paper is twofold: (1) to introduce a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach and discuss its application within the context of WSs in the field of health science, (2) To present a method and a practical guide when conducting WSs in the field of health science. DESIGN AND METHODS: Epistemological and methodological discussions based on workshops as a self-standing research method. RESULTS: The epistemological and methodological discussions show that workshops conducted in health science are a self-standing research methods and align with a phenomenological-hermeneutical approach. Examples of research studies within this framework are provided to illustrate how workshops can be conducted in health science within this epistemological approach. CONCLUSION: The phenomenological-hermeneutical approach embraces workshops as a research method as it includes individual experiences through self-reflection and shared contributions through interpretation. Furthermore, a systematic approach with regard to planning, conduction, data collection, and data analysis leads to reliable findings, enhancing the transparency of the research method and thus creating scientific knowledge. This paper argues that the systematic approach of "the how" to conduct workshops with "the why" enhances the transparency and trustworthiness of the research. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION: Workshops are a way to involve and engage users in co-design processes that aim to develop solutions in clinical practice. User involvement has become an important part in academia and is essential in all aspects of the research process. However, we need solid systematic methods to create valid knowledge. Workshops are a self-standing research method, and a phenomenological-hermeneutical approach allows for an understanding of the phenomena as they unfold, emphasising subjective perceptions and meanings, which will finally lead to the development of a suitable solution for clinical practice. IMPACT: This paper contributes theoretical knowledge about the use of workshops as a research method. It combines "the how" to conduct a workshop with "the why" and highlights the relevance of a phenomenological-hermeneutical approach. The main argument is that workshops are a self-standing research method; hence, this paper adds value in the academic field as it provides a scientific framework. The paper presents a method and a practical guide for researchers who plan to conduct workshops in the field of health science. REPORTING METHOD: No available EQUATOR guidelines were applicable to this methodological paper because no new data was created or analysed. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This is a methodological paper, and thus, there was no direct patient or public involvement.