The Expert Patients Programme (EPP) supports adults with one or more long-term health conditions, and their carers, to build the knowledge, skills and confidence to effectively self-manage their condition.

The programme consists of six group sessions held once a week over six weeks, each lasting for two and a half hours, with 12-16 people per course. Programmes are run by two specially-trained lay tutors who live with a health condition themselves.

EPP sessions are held online and at accessible venues across Islington and Haringey. Sessions are available on different days and times to suit most people. Demand for evening and weekend courses is monitored and courses are provided as appropriate.

Whittington Health (WH) continuously evaluates EPP outcomes, such as the knowledge, skills and confidence a person has in managing their own health and care. Results consistently show improvements in outcome measures on completion of the programme, which are maintained at least three months following the end of the programme. Research indicates that such improvements are correlated with fewer GP appointments, fewer A&E attendances and emergency admissions, and increased medication adherence.

Targeted text messaging

The Self-Management Support Service has had recent success working with local GP practices to target recruitment to the EPP for patients with long-term health conditions, as well as their carers. Practices sending text messages to their patients with health conditions has made a great difference in patients' uptake rate. 

If your practice is interested in implementing text messaging for the EPP, see Targeted text and email promotion of EPP in Downloads.

Coding patient attendance

It is important that GP practices have processes in place to ensure the coding of patient attendance; see EPP coding information in Downloads for details. The provider will include the relevant outcome and code in its practice letters/correspondence for the practice team to enter into the patient record.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusions

• adults aged 18+
• registered with a GP or living in Haringey or Islington
• living with one or more long-term health conditions (e.g. asthma, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, depression, diabetes, COPD, heart disease, fibromyalgia, sickle cell, HIV, chronic fatigue, chronic pain)
• carer of someone living with one of more long-term health conditions
• English, Turkish, Somali or Bengali-speaking.

How to Refer