The Importance of Raising Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Awareness for Young People and Parents: Young People with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in young people is complex, with many requiring Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT). Young people may be disenfranchised by perceptions of helplessness and feelings of powerlessness against a backdrop of diminished health, consequently impacting on their capacity for effective coping. Not surprisingly, young people and parents/ guardians seek online support through social media which offers advantages over standard forms of engagement/ education. The claim here is that future clinicians are unable to best practice unless they get more involved in patient-led initiatives and better appreciate how young people with CKD and their parents use the internet/ social media as an effective learning resource. Social media can positively influence young people, parents/ guardians to gather resources, supporting them to develop self-care and enhance shared-decision-making, empowering them to adopt coping strategies. Health professionals should have an understanding of what resources are available to young people and parents/ guardians.