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What is the Expert Patients Programme?

It is a new initiative to help people living with long term health conditions maintain their health and improve their quality of life through self management courses.

The free, locally held courses are designed to help people living with long standing illnesses regain as much control of their well being as possible.

People with conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, asthma, diabetes and osteoporosis have all benefited.

The course complements existing health care programmes and treatments empowering people to be more informed and better able to develop partnerships with health care staff.

What does the course involve?

The programme takes place over six weekly sessions that last about two and a half hours each. The areas covered include:

  • Goal setting.
  • Problem solving.
  • Relaxation and exercise.
  • Symptom and fatigue management techniques.
  • Dealing with emotions.
  • Communication.
  • Medication.
  • Community resources

What are the benefits of the programme?

It gives people living with long term medical conditions the opportunity to meet new friends and receive support from others.

Research shows that people who have attended courses:

  • Have greater confidence in dealing with their illness.
  • Experience less pain, fatigue, depression and anxiety.
  • Are more likely to continue with exercise and relaxation techniques.
  • Make fewer visits to their GP.
  • Have better communication with health professionionals.

Who runs the programmes?

Volunteer tutors who have long term conditions themselves run the programmes and are supported and trained by professional staff working for the Expert Patient Programme.

Want to know more?

Please contact the Expert Patients Programme National Helpline for more information:
Tel: 0845 606 6040
Website: www.expertpatients.nhs.uk

If you live in the Doncaster Borough Area you can contact:
Debbie Leyden (Expert Patients Programme Co-ordinator)
Tel: 01302 320 111 ext. 3212
Mobile: 07768 707560
Fax: 01302 768 336
E-mail: deborah.leyden@doncasterpct.nhs.uk

update 21/11/07

DIAL Disclaimer
Whilst all the information given in this document was correct at the time of going to press, DIAL Doncaster cannot be held responsible for any subsequent changes.

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