This book is the result of a collaboration between INPES, the Patient Education Resource and Training Center of the Nord-Picardie Regional Health Insurance Fund, and the directors of university programs in therapeutic patient education. It draws on the discussions held during the national seminar "University Training Programs in Patient Education. What Skills?”, which took place from October 11 to 13, 2006, in Lille. Enriched by expert insights, this book addresses the issue of competencies by defining the approach that healthcare providers should adopt when interacting with a patient. It also highlights the need for healthcare providers to develop pedagogical and methodological skills. Finally, it addresses the recognition of the field of therapeutic patient education and the professionalization of its practitioners. Because it draws on diverse experiences, this book is intended above all as a resource for reflection for all professionals who, as part of their training roles, work on the competencies to be acquired in therapeutic patient education.