Expert Patients Programme

What is the Expert Patients Programme (EPP)?

The Expert Patients Programme has been developed to help counter feelings of isolation and help individuals who have similar problems to share their experiences, take control of their health and learn how to self manage their condition on a daily basis.

A free interactive six week course, led by trained volunteer tutors who themselves live with one or more long-term health conditions, helps with:

• Dealing with pain, fatigue and depression
• Relaxation techniques and exercise
• Healthy eating
• Communicating better with family, friends and health professionals
• Planning for the future 

 
Four to six months later, patients who had completed the course reported:

• GP consultations decreased by 7%

• Outpatient visits decreased by 10%

• A&E attendences decreased by 16%

• Pharmacy visits increased by 18%

Who can take part?

Anyone living with one or more long-term health conditions.
   

How can it help you?

The course offers a toolkit of techniques aimed at supporting people living with long-term health conditions, improving their quality of life, providing greater control over their conditions and increasing their confidence. They are aimed at a wide range of people, reflecting diversity in terms of different health conditions, age groups, geographical locations and ethnicity.  

By taking part in the programme, you will:

• Meet others and share similar experiences
• Learn new skills to manage your health condition
• Develop confidence in the daily management of your condition
• Learn about developing more effective relationships with healthcare professionals.

• Watch a short video about the programme

• Read personal stories from the tutors
      

Support groups

If you are a member of a condition specific support group and would like to learn more please contact the EPP Team.

Staying positive - Workshops for young people

A series of three workshops for young people
aged 12-18 who live with a long-term health condition.

The workshops are facilitated by young people who themselves live with a long-term health condition, and give participants the skills to improve management of their condition from a health and social perspective.

How can I find out more?

Find a course in your area and book a place by using the forms in the top right related forms box. 

If you are a health professional and would like to refer a patient please see the forms in the related forms box above.

If you would like to talk to somebody about the programme please contact the EPP Team:

Jane Reynolds
Expert Patients Programme Co-ordinator
Tel: 01233 667808
Email: Jane.Reynolds@kentcht.nhs.uk or kcht.epp@nhs.net