We know that metaphors are commonly used in scientific discourse, often in spite of speakers’ awareness of using them. We also know that metaphors can be ‘double-edged swords’: they can facilitate interactions, but can also cause misunderstandings. Is it possible to test the effectiveness of certain metaphors in a specific clinical context?

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Chronic care, and diabetes care in particular, is a field in which improved understanding could lead to better patient outcomes. Can specific metaphors be identified that can be useful when instructing persons with diabetes about their disease or about their therapeutic needs?

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HRLab is collaborating in this line of research within the Metacare project, led by Maria Grazia Rossi at the Nova Universidade de Lisboa.