How to Study Chronic Diseases—Implications of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for Research Designs

Background The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) has been received considerable attention internationally. Methods The Convention’s main arguments are conceptually analyzed. Implications for the development of research designs are elaborated upon. Results The Convention entails both a human rights and a sociopolitical dimension. Advancing a relational notion of disability, it enters a rather foreign terrain to medical sciences. Research designs have to be changed accordingly. Conclusion Research designs in accordance with the CRPD should employ and further develop context-sensitive research strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration. Complex designs that allow for a relational analysis of personalized effects have to be established and evaluated, thereby systematically integrating qualitative methods.