If the user is in a *view* / *read-only* mode, then an **un-intrusive auto-refresh** while maintaining the user's place in the items is the best option.

If the user is in an "*edit*" or "*action*" mode with potential changes to the item(s), *auto-refresh should be temporarily disabled*, and the user may be given the option to perform a **manual refresh**.  However, the user should be notified if the manual refresh has the potential to discard his / her changes.