What is the difference between a Patient Participation Group (PPG) and Patient Reference Group (PRG)?

Patient Participation Group (PPG) membership

consists of an invited small group of 12 (maximum) committed registered individuals
the PPG leadership is effective and supports all members in being effective in their roles
roles in the PPG consist of a Chair. Vice chair and secretary
the PPG is founded on core principles for effective working, agreed and shared by the practice
the PPG works in partnership with the practice to support service development and engagement and has a planned programme of activities it can afford
the PPG will meet monthly and produce agendas and minutes
the PPG will agree aims and objectives
the PPG will adhere to a code of conduct
the PPG has clear ways of working as a group (ground rules)
the PPG uses various methods to communicate with and involve all patients
the practice actively supports the PPG
PPG members will be expected to engage with an annual AGM and any CQC inspections

the PRG is a virtual patient group which are communicated only electronically
the PRG will engage with surveys and feedback that supports the PPG programme of activities
the PRG better reflects the practice population/ demographic, as numbers to membership are not limited
the PRG enables patients to engage with the practice without the need of attending physical meetings

working in partnership with the practice and being a critical friend
advising the practice from a patient perspective and providing insight into the quality of services
encourage patients to take greater responsibility for their own health and wellbeing
carry out research into the views of those who use the practice
organise health promotion events and improving health literacy
ongoing communication with the patient population, community and other provider organisations