COVID-19 has been particularly cruel to segments of the population, including minorities, nursing home residents and the disabled.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across the globe, young people with disabilities are facing unique challenges. The threat of contracting the virus has led to schools and businesses closing, citizens being told to stay home and shelter in place and hospitals being overrun. 

Emerging research on COVID-19 shows that the coronavirus pandemic has increased psychological distress both in the general population and among high-risk groups. Behaviours such as physical distancing, as well as their social and economic impacts, are worsening mental health consequences.

Research on the psychological impact of mass trauma (e.g., natural disasters, flu outbreaks) suggests that the pandemic might particularly harm the mental health of marginalised populations who have less access to socioeconomic resources and supportive social networks.

There are unique stressors and challenges that could worsen mental health for people with disabilities during the COVID-19 crisis.

Sickcare USA, Inc has been lax in addressing behavioural health, social determinants and those with disabilities, which have been amplified by the COVID pandemic.

The collision of media, information and communications technologies (MICT) and BIG DIGITAL might be a solution for sickcare, workforce development and education.

Cabled not Disabled is a new reality. But, unlike a vaccine, those with disabilities will still be at risk in the post-COVID 4th industrial revolution.

Making it happen will require a new global cyber-nervous system, education and training, universal broadband access, different customer service requirements and innovative business models.

Creating a better customer experience will mean micturating on it, much like pissing on doctor burnout.

Arlen Meyers, MD, MBA is the President and CEO of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs and Facebook