1. Merton Expert Patients Programme
Jennifer Sangalang, Merton EPP Manager
Christine Monahan, Merton EPP Navigator

2. Background
The Expert Patients Programme (EPP) is a six-week programme licensed by Stanford University for people with one or more long-term health conditions.
EPP is peer-led by tutors who have previously completed the course and then trained as a tutor due to the positive effect EPP has had on their everyday lives.
EPP aims to support participants to manage their condition(s) on a day-to- day basis through shared learning, peer support and behaviour change.
Merton CCG Expert Patients Programme

3. Self-management courses
Expert Patients Programme (EPP)- long-term health conditions.
Looking After Me (LAM) - for carers.
New Beginnings (NB) - living with or recovering from mental health conditions.
Merton CCG Expert Patients Programme

4. Benefits of the courses
Improved confidence, symptom-management, provision of a support network and better use of health services.
Encourages participants to manage their conditions to only seek care from a professional when they are certain their symptoms have reached crisis stage.
Cost savings through a reduction in GP visits, fewer outpatient referral and a smaller number of admissions to A&E as well as increased utilisations of community pharmacies.
EPP offers a tool-kit of techniques to help you take control of your condition, feel more confident and improve quality of life.
Merton CCG Expert Patients Programme

5. Course Content Dealing with pain and fatigue.
Planning and setting goals.
Coping with feelings of anger and depression healthy eating and exercise.
Communicating with family, friends and health care professionals.
Finding other health services in the community.
Merton CCG Expert Patients Programme

6. Review of 2016-17 and targets for 2017-18
The previous Merton EPP team put on 4 courses in 2016/17, the last one took place in June 2016.
From 1 October 2016 Merton transferred the management of this function to Wandsworth CCG.
In November 2016 the WCCG self-management team organised its first EPP course at the Shree Ghanapathy temple where 14 people attended.
We aim to reach out to other key groups such as faith groups, BME groups, young people.
Our target for this financial year is to deliver 6 EPP courses.
Numbers attended
Long term conditions dealt with
Key groups targeted
Merton CCG Expert Patients Programme

7. Merton CCG Medicines Optimisation Team

8. Our Current Stage
Following the success of the Shree Ganapathy Expert Patients course, we will work with them again to potentially set up another course.
Organisations around the borough who are keen to work with the Merton self-management team and to host courses are being identified.
Work with local communities and voluntary sector.
Merton CCG Expert Patients Programme

9. Referral Pathways Self-referral. Marketing Events.
Via Health Care Professionals.
Voluntary Sector.
Social Prescribing Pilot.
Merton CCG Expert Patients Programme

10. How can you help the team?
Upcoming events.
Magazines, newsletters, group s.
Marketing opportunities.
Presentation opportunities.
Word of mouth.
Raising awareness at your GP practice.
Raising awareness in your network
Merton CCG Expert Patients Programme

11. Thank You  Any Questions?
Jennifer Sangalang – Merton EPP Manager:
Christine Monahan – Merton EPP Navigator
Merton CCG Expert Patients Programme