Facts and Figures

Living with a long-term health condition

• The Department of Health estimates that there are more than 15 million people living with a long-term condition in England
• It is predicted this will increase by one million every decade
• These numbers mean that 31% of the population are living with a long-term condition
• People living with living with long-term conditions account for 52% of all GP appointments and 65% of all outpatient appointments

www.dh.gov.uk

Research findings

A survey of 40 participants commissioned by EPP CIC showed that:

• Three quarters of course attendees felt more positive about their situation
• More than half felt they were better at getting what they want from health care professionals
• 61% saying they were more likely to speak out
• 71% being more willing to say exactly what they wanted

(EPP CIC survey of people attending a self management course November 2008)

Data from approximately 1000 EPP course questionnaires (Jan 2003 – Jan 2005) showed that, four to six months after completing the course:

• GP consultations decreased by 7%
• Outpatient visits decreased by 10%
• A&E attendances decreased by 16%
• Pharmacy visits increased by 18%

(EPP Internal Monitoring Results – Expert Patients Programme, 2005)

Key research findings from a randomised trial found that course participants have:

• Improved partnerships with doctors
• Increased confidence to manage their condition
• Improved quality of life and psychological wellbeing
• Increased energy
• A high satisfaction with the course

(Rogers A; Bower P; Gardner H; Gravelle H; Kennedy A; Reeves D - 2007

Expert Patients Programme: National Evaluation - National Primary Care Research and Development Centre http://www.npcrdc.ac.uk/ProjectDetail.cfm?id=117 )