Expert Patient Programme

{{Short description|Medical support programme}}

{{more citations needed|date=August 2015}}

The Expert Patient Programme is a peer-led self care support programme for people living with any long term condition, their carer and families. Originally based on a six-week course developed by Dr. Kate Lorig at Stanford University. It has been expanded to encompass a whole range of programmes. In Spain, the term "Paciente Experto" was introduced by Dr Manuel Serrano-Gil.

Some of the courses are delivered by lay people, some are delivered by a mix of health specialists and lay people. The courses are attended by between 8 and 12 people and last between 6 and 8 weeks depending on the needs of the groups.

Research has shown that people who attend courses have improved self-confidence and are more able to deal with impact of long-term illness on their lives.

{{cite journal |pmid=25271227|year=2014 |last1=Cordier |first1=J. F. |title=The expert patient: Towards a novel definition |journal=The European Respiratory Journal |volume=44 |issue=4 |pages=853–857 |doi=10.1183/09031936.00027414 |s2cid=315598 |doi-access=free }}{{citation needed|date=September 2012}}