[What are the theoretical foundations underpinning therapeutic education?]

Therapeutic education of chronically ill patients has progressively developed itself over the last twenty years. Based upon intuitive and empirical evidence, it now benefits from a structure that can guarantee and support its effectiveness. A range of training possibilities for this new dimension of care are open and readily available for health professionals who are prepared and wiling to use it. The paramedical professionals and teams represent the majority of its principle actors. The theoretical bases which are most frequently used are essentially derived directly from psycho-pedagogical models which aim to support the development of knowledge, know-how and training from managing clinical treatment approaches based on relationships and open exchange. The text introduces a critical reflection on the models and themes most which are most frequently proposed and used, as well as innovative perspectives.