New Beginnings: Embracing a Fresh Start with Patient Participation Groups
As we step into January, a month symbolising fresh starts and renewed energy, it’s a fitting time to focus on new beginnings in our Patient Participation Groups (PPGs). 2025 offers the perfect opportunity to re-evaluate, re-engage, and breathe new life into how PPGs support healthcare practices and empower patients.
1. Reflecting on Last Year’s Successes and Challenges
January is an ideal time to pause and reflect. For PPGs, this means looking back on the initiatives, events, and feedback that shaped the previous year.
Which activities brought positive changes?
What could be improved?
Involving PPG members in this reflection creates a collaborative approach to understanding successes and identifying areas for growth, setting the stage for a brighter and more impactful year.
2. Setting Clear Goals and Intentions
Establishing clear, measurable goals can provide structure and motivation for both the practice and its PPG members. Whether it’s aiming to improve patient engagement, increase awareness of health initiatives, or simply get more patients involved, January is a time to define what success looks like for the year ahead.
Start small, set achievable milestones, and remember that the journey toward meaningful impact often begins with a single step.
3. Re-engaging Patients and Volunteers
New year, new participants! The beginning of the year can be a great time to re-engage existing PPG members and invite new voices to join the conversation. Consider holding an open event or outreach campaign to connect with patients who may not yet be familiar with the group. Highlight the value of their input, and showcase stories from active members to illustrate the meaningful role they play in shaping patient experiences.
4. Refreshing Communications
Just as we like to organise our homes at the start of the year, refreshing your PPG communications can energise the way you engage. Take stock of your newsletters, noticeboards, or even online platforms where you share updates.
Is the information clear and easy to access?
Are the channels engaging?
A simple refresh can make a big difference in keeping patients informed and involved.
5. Inviting Feedback for Future Projects
This season is about openness and improvement. Inviting patient feedback on your PPG’s direction for the coming year can lead to new ideas and uncover hidden challenges. A short survey or suggestion box can be effective in gathering ideas that might otherwise go unheard. By actively listening to patients’ needs and preferences, your practice can develop programs that resonate more deeply and improve patient outcomes.
6. Celebrating Small Wins
It’s easy to focus on big goals and major achievements, but small wins along the way are just as important. Celebrate milestones as you reach them; they’re reminders of the progress you’re making together. From boosting patient awareness to reaching a participation goal, recognising these accomplishments can motivate PPG members and patients alike to keep moving forward.
Embracing the New Year, Together
The beginning of a new year is a chance to renew our commitment to patient-centred care. By setting clear goals, engaging patients, and celebrating each step forward, we can create meaningful change together. As your PPG and practice embark on this journey together, remember that even small changes can lead to significant impact over time. Let January be the month to embrace fresh beginnings, inspire collaboration, and create a shared vision for the year ahead.