Can social media reduce discrimination and ignorance towards patients with long term conditions? A chronic kidney disease example in the UK and more widely

Abstract

Long Term Conditions (LTCs) are increasing in prevalence and cost in Western healthcare. Patients with such conditions are often classed as “disabled”, because of impacts of self-care on “activities of daily life” or secondary consequences of conditions (impairments) affecting factors such as mobility, concentration and communications. Disability needs are often ignored in the design of services and treatment of individuals. It manifests as services which some find difficult to use and lack of personal respect (discrimination) often based on lack of understanding by the healthcare profession itself (ignorance). This paper explores how Social Media (SM), an example “Assistive Technology” in an increasingly digital age, might help. The focus is Chronic Kidney Disease with two, specific illustrations in the UK beginning to spread worldwide. Support mechanisms now emerging may go well beyond healthcare, and even beyond kidney problems. They may also find additional assistance via the new, English Accessible Information Standard.