How we support patient engagement and communication - by Otford patient participation group (PPG)
Otford PPG is a charitable organisation run by a small, voluntary committee, on behalf of the patients of Otford Medical Practice. The practice has over 11,500 patients which stretch across various local villages, including Otford, Kemsing, Shoreham, Seal, Dunton Green & Riverhead. The area is somewhat rural and has a higher than average elderly population, which therefore has a different requirement on practice services. The PPG has been running for several years and has worked to fundraise money on behalf of the practice, to contribute investments in education events, a patient vitals POD and other small requests. Money has been raised through small raffles, quiz nights and events. Every year small patient surveys have been undertaken to identify the general patient view of local services and these have been shared via hard copy within local neighbourhood groups, parish noticeboards and via the Facebook PPG page.
However, we recognise that in light of NHS pressures, that more work is required to engage with patients, educate them on the role of the PPG and disseminate information, as a way of managing expectations and appraising them of service changes and improvements. Recently the PPG has undertaken a stronger communication strategy, using social media platforms to increase information to patients. Our current social media reach has recently hit over 3000. More frequent updates are being provided with monthly newsletters, newsflashes and the scheduling of quarterly patient engagement events, regular committee meetings, officers meetings and practice meetings. Given the demographic, there is still provision for all information to be shared through neighbourhood groups and parish notices. Emails are also sent to our active PPG members, to ensure they are kept up-to-date. Further volunteers are being requested, along with invites to join the PPG interactive group for sharing information.
The new PPG team have agreed to continue to charitable organisation side of the PPG and explore further ways of generating funding to support both the running of the PPG, the engagement events and support OMP services. Its 23/24 plan is likely to include educational events, given previous success, to support patients with long term conditions or co-morbidities. These will be aligned to those co-morbidities which are prevalent within the OMP demographic. A further fundraising strategy is required and this will set out the aims and events to generate funds.
We also support flu and covid clinis and help patients with consent forms.
It is our aim to harness some of the negative local feeling about NHS services at the moment, and create positive change. We have a strong relationship with the practice and it is our objective to continue that dialogue to ensure any themes identified are shared and that patients are informed of the positive changes OMP are providing.