Course Information
What is the Expert Patients Programme?
The Expert Patients Programme (EPP for short) is a FREE course designed for adults living with any long-term health condition(s). The EPP aims to help you to take more control of your health by learning new skills to manage your condition better on a daily basis.
Topics that the course covers include:
Ø Managing tiredness and pain
Ø Coping with feelings of depression
Ø Relaxation techniques and exercise
Ø Healthy eating
Ø Action planning and problem solving techniques
Ø Communication skills with healthcare professionals, friends, family and colleagues.
The EPP CIC course is run over 6 weekly sessions with each session lasting 2 hours 30 mins. It is facilitated by trained tutors who, typically are living with a long-term condition and have become good self-managers.
How can it help you?
By taking part in an EPP CIC course you will:
Ø Learn new skills to manage your health condition
Ø Develop confidence in the daily management of your specific condition(s)
Ø Meet others who have shared similar experiences
Ø Learn about developing more effective relationships with healthcare professionals
How has it helped other people?
People who have taken part in an EPP CIC course have reported that it has helped them to:
Ø Feel confident and more in control of their life
Ø Manage their condition and treatment together with healthcare professionals
Ø Be realistic about the impact of their condition on themselves and their family
Ø Use their new skills and knowledge to improve their quality of life
NHS researched
Research confirms EPP benefits
In a randomised trial carried out by the National Primary Care Research and Development Centre, researchers found:
Ø Increase in people’s confidence to manage their condition
Ø Gains in energy
Ø Improvements in quality of life
Ø High satisfaction with the course
Ø Improvements in psychological wellbeing
Ø Improvements in partnerships with doctors
Anyone living with one or more long-term conditions can take part
What people have said after the course
“The EPP CIC course has made me realise that I can have some say over my pain and not let if dictate my life.”
“I have started swimming again which I never thought I would do – it’s given me a new lease of life.”
“It has been a great help just to be able to speak to people with the same problems.”
The next EPP CIC Course in your area starts on Monday 10 February 2014
at the David Rayner Building (Cambridge Cancer Help Centre), Great Shelford. Time: 10.00 am – 12.30 pm.
To find out more information and to book a place :
Telephone: Janet or Judy on 07866331782
Email : colin.hickman@homecall.co.uk
Website: www.expertpatients.co.uk
NHS Choices Conditions and Treatments
See the NHS Choices Conditions and Treatments browser for an in-depth description of many common health issues.
Childrens Health
There is a good guide on the NHS website which describes various conditions affecting children. There is advice on how to diagnose them, how to treat them and if further advice should be consulted.
NHS childhood illness slideshow
When Should I Worry?
Having an ill child can be a very scary experience for parents. If you understand more about the illness it can help you to feel more in control. This booklet is for parents (and older children) and deals with common infections in children who are normally healthy.
Download the booklet
Fevers
Most symptoms of a fever in young children can be managed at home with infant paracetamol. If the fever is very high, they may have an infection that needs treating with antibiotics.
Head Lice
Head lice are insects that live on the scalp and neck. They may make your head feel itchy. Although head lice may be embarrassing and sometimes uncomfortable, they don't usually cause illness. However, they won't clear up on their own and you need to treat them promptly
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds (also known as epistaxis) are fairly common, especially in children, and can generally be easily treated.
These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice