Patient Participation Group - Tipton

Healthwatch Sandwell carried out a survey of patients and visitors at seven GP practices in Tipton during June 2018 to assess awareness, knowledge, and involvement in Patient Participation Groups (PPGs). PPGs are groups of patients and practice staff who work together to improve services and patient experience, and all GP practices in England have been required to have a PPG since 2015. 

A total of 141 people completed the survey, while a further 16 people declined to participate. Respondents included a mix of working and non-working individuals, with 31% coming from minority ethnic backgrounds. 

The survey found that awareness of PPGs was generally low, although it varied between practices. Just 23% of respondents said they knew what a PPG was, while 76% did not know. At least one respondent in every practice surveyed was aware of PPGs, and one practice achieved awareness levels of around one-third of respondents. 

Knowledge of whether practices had a PPG was also limited. Only 11% of respondents knew that their GP practice had a PPG, while 22% believed their practice did not have one and almost two-thirds were unsure.

Very few patients had received information about their practice’s PPG. Only 3% reported receiving information, such as posters promoting PPG membership or communications relating to practice changes. In contrast, 89% said they had received no information and 7% were unsure.

Levels of participation were extremely low. Only one respondent reported being actively involved in a PPG, while the remaining 140 respondents were not involved.

Healthwatch Sandwell noted that PPGs play an important role in helping GP practices gather patient feedback, identify service improvements, engage with underrepresented groups, and improve communication with patients. The survey was undertaken to determine whether local patients were aware of these opportunities for involvement. 

Overall, the findings showed that awareness, understanding, and involvement in Patient Participation Groups across Tipton were low. The report suggested that GP practices could improve how they promote PPGs and communicate opportunities for patients to become involved in influencing local primary care services.