It is not possible to deal fully here with the methodology of setting up a Group. If you are interested in setting up a group or finding out more, then why not contact our secretary (see foot of this page) for advice or to affiliate? We have produced a simple A5 booklet to cover this area.Whether you are a GP, a practice manager, or a practice nurse; in the first instance

• Discuss the concept of establishing a group with the partners
• Talk to your Primary Care Organisation. All PCOs will have an officer dedicated to fostering public and patient involvement
• Hold a meeting with all members of the team (clinical and administrative.)
• Decide whether to include, by invitation, a facilitator at this juncture and explore the following issues:

1. What the practice should expect from setting up such a group?
2. What benefits for patients there may be in setting up a group?
3. How many individuals should serve on the group?
4. Which model of group make-up would be preferred?
5. What approach/es would be best to recruit patients to such a group?
6. Explore possible implications for practice resources (time – staff – funding - accommodation)
7. Who is going to represent the practice on the group?
8. What does the practice consider to be the ideal aims and direction for their group? (Remember that once the group is formed it will, to a certain extent become autonomous. However the practice will have considerable influence through facilitation during the initial stages.)

It can be particularly helpful to link with N.A.P.P. at the outset to avoid some of the more common errors that are made and which can compromise the development of the PPG. We often advise starting with a steering group since it is easier for patients to accept a time-limited commitment initially. It also allows confidence to be built by all parties and for a clearer sense of direction to emerge.

There are no set numbers of patients constituting a PPG. Most consist of between 10-12 patients supported by one of the partners and usually the practice manager. Meetings are held monthly in the initial stages and once the group is established this may revert to a bi-monthly pattern. There are a number of methods used to recruit patients to the group and the most successful is for the practice to invite individuals to participate. Although not democratic this ensures that the group quickly consolidates. It is then crucial that efforts are made to identify and incorporate the views of any groups or interests that are not represented within the PPG.