27/06/05

West Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust is aiming to increase the number of people in the South Forest benefiting from an exciting new programme for patients with long term health conditions.

Known as the 'Expert Patient Programme', the initiative aims to help participants develop new skills in coping with their illness, share common experiences and feel more able to take control of their condition to get the most out of life. It also helps patients to build a partnership with their Health Professional by taking responsibility for their medication and condition.

The programme includes:

. how to deal with frustration, fatigue, pain, isolation and other problems

. the right exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility and endurance

. how to manage symptoms

. communicating effectively with family, friends and health professionals

. good diet and nutrition.

During 2004 and 2005, the PCT has run a total of 5 courses in West Gloucestershire and is now drawing up plans for a further course in the Lydney/South Forest area to be held in mid-late September.

The Trust is keen to hear from patients living in the local area who believe they would benefit from the Expert Patient Programme.

The courses are free and run for 6 weeks (2½ hours, one day a week).

Director of Clinical Development at West Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust, Jan Marriott said:

"We know that patients often have a wealth of experience and knowledge about living with long term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease. Sharing this experience with others seems to help people to become more confident in living with their illness and to better access healthcare services."

"We are very pleased with the way the Expert Patient Programme is being received in West Gloucestershire. The feedback to date has been very positive and the course is clearly making a real difference to the lives of people who attend."

Emerging findings from a national evaluation of the Expert Patient Programme shows a 10% increase in people taking their medication as prescribed, a 30% reduction in the feeling of depression and lack of energy and a 17% reduction in people taking time off work.