Aim of the research

The aim of the research is to better understand the experience of healthcare for people with fibromyalgia. In particular, we are interested in (a) the impact of a diagnosis of fibromyalgia and (b) the ways in which people with fibromyalgia experience stigma in healthcare.

About this research

This research is being conducted by the University of Sheffield (UK) in partnership with the University Medical Centre Groningen (NL) and Pain Alliance Europe.  

This is a qualitative research that is interested in-depth understanding of people's experiences. It uses both 1:1 interviews (one participant and one researcher) and focus groups (where between 4-8 participants will meet with one or two researchers). 

Taking part

Taking part in this research is completely voluntary.  Before anyone takes part in the research they need to read the information about it and complete an expression of interest form. The research will involve about 50 people with fibromyalgia in total but the researchers are keen to have a diverse mix of individuals and experiences. The researchers will invite a selection of people who have expressed an interest to take part either in interviews or focus groups.  

All interviews and focus groups will take part online using Google Meet or Microsoft Teams (secure online platforms like Zoom).  Interviews and focus groups will mostly be in English. However, some focus groups will be held in German.

If you are interested in taking part

If you are a person with fibromyalgia (with or without other medical conditions) aged 18 or over and who is interested in taking part, please:

1. Open and read the participant information sheet embedded on this page. 

2. Follow the link to the online expression of interest form and complete that.