Expert Patient Programme (EPP)

Self Care Management - Expert Patient Programme (EPP)
Living with a Long-Term Condition

What is EPP?

The Expert Patient Programme is a course for anyone who has a long-term condition and who would like to find ways of managing their illness more positively in order to improve their quality of life.

The programme builds on the principal that people with long-term health problems know best how their condition affects the way they feel, their lifestyle and their ability to accomplish activities important to them. The course also looks at ways to positively manage symptoms, to improve on daily activities and manage the changing emotions that can be brought about by a chronic condition.

The course

The course is free and consists of 6 weekly sessions – each lasting two and a half/three hours. It is led by two volunteer tutors who themselves have long-term health problems and have previously attended an Expert Patient Course prior to becoming a tutor. This means they understand the challenges participants face in having health problems and coming on the course.

Weekly sessions provide information on specific topics such as managing symptoms, relaxation techniques, diet, exercise and how to communicate effectively with health care practitioners. Time will be given for participants to share experiences and learn from each other, and to develop ways of overcoming specific difficulties. Participants on the course use a course manual called Living a healthy life with chronic conditions.

On each course there are between 10 and 16 participants. The atmosphere is very informal which enables people to relax and get to know each other. The venues are checked to ensure they are accessible for wheelchair use.