Learning from online patient peer support groups

Online patient communities have become a staple part of the healthcare landscape in recent years, presenting the sector with ever greater opportunities to identify, understand and tackle unmet need.

The importance of peer support across long-term conditions cannot be overestimated, and the internet has enabled groups of patients to come together like never before.

Millions of people around the world have sought solace in the ability to share their stories, learn from each other and simply talk to someone who understands what they are going through.

The value of this is well documented. Various reports have highlighted that peer support can reduce isolation, boost education and help people to manage their own health, improving overall outcomes.

• Read the full article in pharmaphorum's Deep Dive digital magazine