title: The renal patient support group: supporting patients with chronic kidney disease through social media.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Renal Patient Support Group (RPSG) is a voluntary Facebook group that was developed in 2009 in the UK. The RPSG now has in excess of 5000 members.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To highlight the work of the RPSG and to describe how the use of social media has helped raise awareness of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The RPSG offers online peer support internationally, with members sharing their experiences.
  
  
  METHODS
  Since the RPSG is mainly a Facebook platform, this medium has lent itself to raising CKD awareness, also allowing group members to share real-life stories.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The RPSG continues to expand and invites health professionals to gain opportunities provided by social media networks to improve the health of their patients by facilitating and getting involved in 'real' discussions.
authors: The Renal Patient Support Group (RPSG), UK.
authors: Shahid
authors: S
authors: Muhammad
authors: Michelle
authors: M
authors: Allan
authors: Filson
authors: F
authors: Ali
authors: Magda
authors: M
authors: Bonacina
authors: Meshia
authors: M
authors: Adams
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001364:Awareness; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000523:psychology; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D061108:Social Media; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement
keywords: Chronic kidney disease; Facebook; Patient involvement; Social media