Patient & Public Involvement: Expert Patients Programme

What is EPP?
The Expert Patients Programme (EPP) is a NHS-based training programme that provides opportunities to people who live with long-term chronic conditions to develop new skills to manage their condition better on a day-to-day basis. Set up in April 2002, it is based on research from the US and UK over the last two decades which shows that people living with chronic illnesses are often in the best position to know what they need in managing their own condition. Provided with the necessary 'self-management' skills, they can make a tangible impact on their disease and quality of life more generally.

What is an Expert Patient?
Expert patients are people living with a long-term health condition, who are able to take more control over their health by understanding and managing their conditions, leading to an improved quality of life.

Benefits of becoming an Expert Patient
Expert patients...

• feel confident and in control of their lives
• aim to manage their condition and its treatment in partnership with health care professionals
• communicate effectively with professionals and are willing to share responsibility on treatment
• are realistic about the impact of their disease on themselves and their family
• use their skills and knowledge to lead full lives.

These programmes are run in each individual health community across the North Trent region.  Please contact the individual Primary Care Trust for further details of an Expert Patient Programme near you or should you require further information from the National Expert Patient Programme, please use their website at www.expertpatients.co.uk or contact them on 0800 988 5550