MyKidneyCare App: using smartphone technology to engage young adults in their kidney care

Patient engagement, in self-managing a long-term kidney condition and for continued communication with healthcare providers, is well recognised as being a key influencing factor in treatment concordance and improved health outcomes. The ability to adapt care and services to maintain relevance for patient groups is a constant challenge to those caring for young adults. Identifying innovative solutions and collaborative working with both patients and multi-agencies is pivotal in bringing young adult services into line with modern technology and communication methods. The MyKidneyCare app is a handheld patient record, communication and self-management tool. Using mobile technology aims to support young adults with their transition from paediatric to adult kidney services, aid self-management of their kidney condition and signpost them to important information resources. Smartphone technology was identified by young adults as being relevant and useful as a means of managing their own kidney care needs and pro...