EXPERT PATIENTS
A guide to improving your own quality of life through the Expert Patients Self- management Course

WHAT IS THE EXPERT PATIENTS PROGRAMME?
The Expert Patients Programme (EPP) is a new approach, enabling people to cope better with long-term health problems through improved self-management.

Self-management courses, which run in local communities throughout Southport and Formby, are designed to help patients to:

Improve their ability to cope with pain

Manage medication

Reduce levels of depression, fatigue and anxiety

Improve communication with health professionals

Enhance relaxation, exercise and diet

Aid independence and mobility

Improve job/voluntary work prospects

Improve and maintain quality of life

THE BENEFITS FOR PATIENTS AND HEALTHCARE TEAMS
Evidence shows the benefits of self-management courses include:

Reduced consultations

Reduced waiting lists

Reduced missed appointments

Reduce need for home visits

Prescription cost savings

Enhanced communication with patients/healthcare providers

Fewer in-patient admissions

WHAT DOES THE PROGRAMME INVOLVE?
Two trainers who are living with long-term health conditions themselves, are running courses in accessible venues throughout the local communities within Southport and Formby. Courses will consist of six weekly sessions, each of 2½ hours duration.

Relaxation techniques

Diet and nutrition

Exercise and fitness

Symptom management techniques

Communication skills

Problem solving

Goal setting

Action planning

If you would like further information on Expert Patients Programme or if you would like a leaflet in large type, Braille, audio tape or another language, or if you would like to request an application form, please contact Southport and Formby Primary Care Trust, telephone Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) 01704 511600

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PATIENT ADVICE and LIAISON SERVICE

Do you feel you are not being listened to?

Are you unsure of who you need to speak to if you have any concerns?

Would you benefit from support or assistance to resolve four concerns?

Do you need information about the trust?

If so, maybe PALS can help PALS will:

• Provide support, information and advice to service users and carers. If you have any concerns regarding the services of the trust, PALS can help you to resolve those concerns.
• Improve your experience by responding to your concerns as quickly as possible.
• Act as a contact point for service users and carers.
• Help the trust learn from your experiences.
• Using PALS does not take away your right to use the NHS Complaints procedure.
• Mersey Care NHS Trust values your views about the services you receive. If you feel there is something the trust should know please contact PALS or the relevant service.