Getting Started and Useful Information

What are Patient Participation Groups?

At the start of 2009, four in ten English GP practices had a Patient Participation Group (PPG).  Each one is different and they evolve to meet local needs.  PPGs are run by volunteers who are keen to make a difference to their communities and to their GP surgery.  The most common activities are:

Critical Friend:  Advising the GP Practice on the patient perspective and helping to ensure that services are well designed to improve the patient experience.

Health Promotion:  Running health promotion events and promoting self-care so that patients play as full a part as possible in understanding and looking after their own health.

Improving Communication:  Raising awareness of the activities of the GP Practice and other support that is available to patients, as well as relaying information back to the GP Practice.

Influencing Commissioning:  Contributing to commissioning decisions and advising on redesign of services so that resources are used effectively and efficiently.

Supporting the Practice:  Helping in a multitude of ways including, carrying out research, raising funds, running volunteer services and organising support groups.

More Information on Getting Started

• Hints and tips on setting up a PPG

Please see links below for a selection of example documents which you may find useful when setting up a Patient Participation Group. 

•  Example Terms of Reference

• Example of first Meeting Agenda

• Example of second Meeting Agenda

• Example of Troubleshooting

• Example Patient Flyer

• Patient Participation Groups – A Natural Route to World Class Engagement

• Growing Patient Participation - 21 Ways to Help Your Practice Thrive

• Growing Patient Participation - Making the Case

• Growing Patient Participation - Promoting Quality and Responsiveness in General Practice