The role of social networks in supporting self-management in CKD: a narrative synthesis
This is the first review to explore the role of social networks in supporting the self-management of people living with CKD. The studies highlighted that early-stage CKD is shaped by diagnostic uncertainty, limited formal support, and social invisibility. People with CKD rely on diverse social networks for self-management, yet unclear care pathways and inconsistent communication hinder this support. Integrated models that combine early specialist input, peer support, and trained generalists are needed. Recognising and supporting these networks is essential to reduce isolation, improve understanding, and enable meaningful engagement with self-management across the CKD trajectory.
Authors
- Thomas Blakeman (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3298-8423)
- Kristin Veighey (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4903-1847)
- Becky Bonfield (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9750-9633)
- Ivaylo Vassilev (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2206-8247)
- Emma Murphy (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7992-9709)
Institutions
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (GB)
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (GB)
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (GB)
- University of Manchester (GB)
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (GB)
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (GB)
- University of Southampton (GB)
- Coventry University (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMC Nephrology
- Published
- 2025-12-09
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-025-04658-3
- Primary Topic
- Dialysis and Renal Disease Management
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00