Using Social Media for the Promotion of Education and Consultation in Adolescents Who Have Undergone Kidney Transplant: Protocol for a Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

BackgroundFalling ill represents a traumatic experience especially in adolescence, since in addition to the moments of ambiguity and contradictions that this period brings, there is coping with the disease. Renal transplantation provides a better quality of life but the dependence on dialysis is replaced by the greater responsibility of self-care. With advances in technology, contemporary communication methods are a strategic mechanism for the approximation of the adolescent and the multiprofessional team. In this perspective, our research may provide possible changes and propose alternatives, using social networks for the integration of the multiprofessional team, promoting education within a virtual environment for adolescents who have undergone kidney transplants.ObjectiveThe goal of our research is to compare the knowledge, satisfaction, and self-esteem of adolescent renal transplant patients in 2 groups: patients undergoing conventional treatment versus patients undergoing conventional treatment plus the full-time use of social networks to aid in education and consultation.MethodsNonblind randomized clinical trial with 128 adolescents (aged 13 to 21 years) divided in 2 groups: the first group will receive conventional care and the second group will be invited to participate in a secret group on the social network Facebook. This group will be used as a new education platform to involve young renal transplant patients to participate in the guidelines provided to them by the multiprofessional team.ResultsAn environment for learning and exchanging life experiences will be created by using a well-known technology among adolescents. As a low-cost intervention, it will allow a better interaction between the patient and the transplant team. It is expected that the adolescents will improve their knowledge about the disease also increasing their self-esteem and the treatment adhesion.ConclusionsHealth professionals need to seek alternatives when educating patients, focusing on easily understandable ways for effective guidance. In the adolescent population, it is understood that the use of technology as support in education is a fundamental tool for this age group. The proposed project will directly benefit adolescent renal transplant patients as it uses language aimed directly at the target demographic. It attempts to overcome the traditional model by being more in contact with the current generation. This approach makes the content easier to assimilate and, consequently, increases understanding.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03214965; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02239354 (Archived by Webcite at http://www.webcitation.org/6wKnYrFGx)

Experience With the Use of an Online Community on Facebook for Brazilian Patients With Gestational Trophoblastic Disease: Netnography Study

“…Based on the success of the FBGTD, similar efforts have been launched for other diseases. For example, in Porto Alegre in Brazil, a closed Facebook group similar to FBGTD was created in 2018 as an education platform to involve adolescent renal transplant patients [ 34 ]. This new group facilitates the expression of feelings and contributes to increased self-esteem, reduced anxiety, and increased adherence to the treatment plan.…”

Kidney Health For All: Bridging the Gap in Kidney Health Education and Literacy

“…20,21 Studies examining the efficacy of social media in kidney care and advocacy are on the way. 22,23 Like physicians, many activities of nonphysician health care workers have been increasingly affected by the rise of electronic health recording and growing access to internetbased resources, including social media, that offer educational materials related to kidney health, including kidneypreserving therapies with traditional and emerging interventions. 24 These resources can be used for both self-education and for networking and advocacy on kidney disease awareness and learning.…”

Kidney Health for All: Bridging the Gap in Kidney Health Education and Literacy

“…20,21 Studies examining the efficacy of social media in kidney care and advocacy are on the way. 22,23 Like physicians, many activities of nonphysician health care workers have been increasingly affected by the rise of electronic health recording and growing access to internet-based resources, including social media, that offer educational materials related to kidney health, including kidneypreserving therapies with traditional and emerging interventions. 24 These resources can be used for both self-education and for networking and advocacy on kidney disease awareness and learning.…”

“…20 , 21 Studies examining the efficacy of social media in kidney care and advocacy are on the way. 22 , 23

Figure 1 Schematic representation of consumer and health care professionals’ collaborative advocacy using social media platforms with the goal of Kidney Health for All .

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