Research

Research into the effectiveness of self-management, in particular the chronic disease self-management course (CDSMC) has demonstrated the positive outcomes attending a course can have for someone with a long-term health condition.

Results internal research (EPP Internal Monitoring Results – Expert Patients Programme, 2005) shows the impact effective self-management can have on the health service.

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%

In addition to this, key research findings from a randomised trial carried out by the National Primary Care Research and Development Centre (Rogers A; Bower P; Gardner H; Gravelle H; Kennedy A; Reeves D – 2007) 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

The complete articles along with other research can be found in our publications section.