AN innovative new approach to chronic disease management is to be piloted by South Hams and West Devon Primary Care Trust.
The new NHS initiative, called the Expert Patient Programme, involves patients with chronic or long-term illnesses teaching other patients in the same situation new strategies for managing their conditions.
The six-week self-management course will tackle common issues facing people suffering from chronic illness, such as social isolation, depression and increased tiredness.
It is hoped the programme will give people the confidence, knowledge and skills to manage their conditions more effectively.
Vivienne Frost, professional physiotherapist lead officer, said: ?This is a new approach to chronic disease management and consists of a taught programme delivered by patients to patients.?
Evidence has shown this kind of project leads to greater patient independence. Other benefits include reducing waiting lists, preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and reduction in visits to the patient?s GP.
Alan Tibbenham, chief executive of South Hams and West Devon Trust, said: ?An important part of the health agenda, including the new GP contract, is an emphasis on more patient involvement and responsibility.
?We are keen therefore to have an early implementation plan and this can only be good news for patients who can be assured their local health service providers are working hard to create services based around patients.?
South Hams and West Devon Care Trust is one of a handful of trusts involved in the early pilot stages of the project, which will be mainstreamed by the NHS after 2004.