How to set up and run a successful Patient Participation Group (PPG)

Effective GP Patient Groups benefit everyone. Listen to Act can help you to build a stronger, sustainable, and more inclusive Patient Participation Group (PPG)

Are you looking to set up a new patient PPG? Or are you looking for ways to improve the running of an existing PPG?

We were commissioned by The Central London Integrated Care Board (ICB) to develop a guide for GP staff, patients, and local residents on how to set up an effective system for delivering strong patient engagement in Westminster.

The project was initiated by the ICB in response to patient frustrations around making appointments with Primary Care services to:

  • Enable patients to share their views and proposals with practices, and build understanding of the complex issues that impact delivery and change.

  • Increase awareness of PPGs so that patients and residents are aware that PPGs are available to them.

  • Increase the presence of PPGs across Westminster GP Practices to increase the effectiveness of the Westminster patient forum.

Inside each guide

Part One: Introduction to patient engagement
How engagement improves care • Why patient engagement is important • What patient care looks like • Legals duties

Part Two: Running a patient group
How to monitor patient participation • Different models of patient participation • How to build a diverse PPG

Part Three: Overcoming engagement fatigue
How to overcome ‘engagement fatigue’ • Patient involvement strategies • Communications • Engaging with young people

Part Four: The model for patient engagement in Westminster
Patient engagement in Westminster • How to integrate patient engagement forums (model and framework)

As elements of health provision move away from institutions like hospitals and GP practices and into community settings and organisations, there is an increasing recognition that community groups (defined by ethnicity, faith, gender, medical conditions and status, and neighbourhood) should be the focus of patient engagement for meaningful change to take place.

We hope you will enjoy using these guides and use them to continue to shape and recreate strong channels for bringing the experience and wisdom of patients and residents into the development of delivery of Primary Care in Westminster.

How we developed the guides

The evidence-based guides were developed from two years of research, involving an online GP and patient survey, focus groups, and 1-1 discussions with GP practices across Westminster. Our dedicated Steering Group guided the progress of this work across quite a lengthy period during a time of much change in the health system following the pandemic.

If you would prefer a printed copy of the guide, please email comms@listentoact.org

Thank you to Odeta Pakalnyte who led the project with ICB and the project Steering Group that guided the progress of this work:

• Taneisha Scanlon, AD of Primary Care, Central London health area

• Olivia Clymer, AD for Comms and Engagement for NHS NWL

• Judith Morris, our Patient Representative

Nina Flowers