Patient Participation Group

What is a Patient Participation Group?

A Patient Participation Group (PPG) is a group usually made up of patients and GP practice staff who work together to improve the experience of people registered at their practice. The PPG works together with the practice to represent the patient’s voice in decision making, ensuring that all communities served by the practice are represented. PPGs can be involved in a wide range of ways across the practice. 

PPGs are usually set up by a GP practice as part of their core contract but are then run by patients once they are established. Every PPG runs differently based on:

• Who is involved in running the group;

• The needs of the practice;

• The needs of the patient population.

This allows the PPG the freedom to be creative and unique in its approach; deciding what priorities and activities they want to be involved in to best serve their patient population.

What a PPG is:

• Co-operative - PPG members working with the practice to discuss improvements to the service. 

• Representative - a representative for the patient voice and the patient population. 

• Engaging - a means to work with (engage) patients. 

• Assuring - a place to discuss changes and developments to the practice. 

• Supportive - a way to support campaigns and opportunities for patients to have their say. 

• Responsive - a place to develop projects and ideas based on the needs of the area and patient population. 

• Collaborative - a group that works with other PPGs as well as health and care organisations in the area. 

• Challenging - As a critical friend, the PPG must be prepared to challenge the practice. This must be done     constructively.

What a PPG isn’t:

• A place to complain - the practice and NHS have ways for people to log individual complaints.

• A talking shop - although a chance to socialise, the group should be productive and focused.

• A place to work on a personal campaign / issues - PPGs need work on projects that would benefit the wider patient population.

• An all-access pass - PPGs aren’t entitled to access all areas of the practice (such as behind reception or staff offices) or to know information that isn’t relevant to their role (such as the practice finances). 

• An independent group / organisation - although PPGs can be independent in how they carry out their work, the practice is ultimately responsible for them. PPG members should not be resistant to practice staff supporting the group, or their being involved.