2. Potential barriers and user requirements

Contents: Potential barriers, individual needs and accessibility, examples of support measures.

People with chronic diseases may encounter barriers in various areas of life, including:

•  Social stigma and prejudice;
•  Side effects of medication (e.g. tiredness, tremors, difficulty concentrating);
•  a lack of quiet spaces and areas to retreat to;
•  insufficient time allowed for tasks;
•  inflexible structures and time pressure in daily life or at work.

Daily life can be shaped by the illness, the course of treatment and necessary routines (e.g. medication, doctor’s appointments, rest periods). These factors require energy, organisation and self-management. Stress or feeling overwhelmed can worsen one’s state of health. Chronic diseases can affect concentration, memory, sleep and physical performance.

Consequently, one’s ability to function often varies and depends on the course of the illness as well as individual coping strategies.

Individual Needs and Accessibility

Every person with a chronic disease has individual requirements regarding their environment, depending on the nature, severity and progression of the condition.

As chronic conditions are very diverse, it is not possible to define standardised accessibility requirements. Nevertheless, similar needs often arise as with other conditions, for example:

• visual or hearing impairments;
• mobility and movement impairments;
• limitations in fine motor skills;
• mental health conditions.

Examples of supportive measures

• Flexible working hours and break arrangements;
• accessible and clearly presented information;
• digital tools for organisation and reminders;
• social support and networking.

An individual, resource-oriented approach that takes into account abilities, needs and strategies plays a key role in promoting participation, self-determination and quality of life.