PPGs tend to be set up by Practices but, over time, they are usually run by patients. Typically, they will have a committee that meets regularly to give the PPG some leadership and a sense of direction. The PPG should work closely with the Practice, and it is normal for members of the Practice team, including General Practitioners to be part of the Patient Participation Group.
Patient Participation Groups are not set up to be a “forum for moaners” but nor are they “doctor fan clubs”. They are a route for patients to advise and inform the Practice on what matters most to patients and to help identify solutions to problems. Members of PPGs should think about the wider patient interest and not just their own personal concerns when serving on the PPG.
Every PPG should be clear about why it is there and what it hopes to achieve. It should have well-thought-out core objectives so that if someone asks what the group does, there is a clear answer. These goals and aspirations need to be realistic and achievable because the PPG is run by volunteers. In most instances, the Patient Participation Group will work in partnership with the Practice; in that way, it can achieve a great deal more.
The activities of the Patient Participation Group (PPG) vary because they develop and evolve to meet local needs of their Practice population and may, for example, include either or all of the following:
- Improving communication by assisting in the production of newsletters or leaflets that provide patients with information about their health and how to access services.
- Together with members of the Practice team, participate as appropriate in the organisation of health promotion events so that patients can have a good understanding of their health and how best to look after it.
- Acting as a “critical friend” to the Practice, by helping it appreciate and understand what patients are thinking and are saying about issues, such as, opening hours, telephone systems, requests for home visits, delays in being taken for appointments, seeing their favourite GP, seeing their favourite Practice Nurse, repeat prescriptions and the range and type of services provided within the Practice.
- Helping to fill some of the gaps in services by signposting patients to available support or providing services such as patient libraries, volunteer transport, befriending and support groups.
- Fundraising to support the work of the PPG and to improve the care that is available to patients of the Practice.
- Influencing the services that are provided, and where they are provided, by taking part in commissioning decisions: this means that services can be developed in the way that is best for patients.
- Undertaking appropriate surveys or research to find out what matters to patients and discussing the findings with the Practice.
You can find out more about our PPG, including how to register, by contacting patientservices.scmg@dorsetgp.nhs.uk