About Patient Reference Groups

Traditionally practices have developed a Patient Participation Group through volunteers and regular meetings. Recently some practices have developed a virtual Patient Participation Group, an e-mail community that they consult on a regular basis but which does not have regular face to face meetings.

Courtyard Surgery are looking to develop a Patient Reference Group on a virtual basis using patient’s e-mails to send out short questionnaires.


Some Questions You May Have Answered

Q. Why are you asking people for their e-mail details?
A. We would like to be able to contact people occasionally to ask them questions about the surgery and how well we are doing to identify areas for improvement.


Q. Will my doctor see this information?
A. This information is purely to contact patients to ask them questions about the surgery, how well we are doing and ensure changes that are being made are patient focused. If your doctor is responsible for making some of the changes in the surgery they might see general feedback from patients.


Q. Will the questions you ask me be medical or personal?
A. We will only ask general questions about the practice, such as short questionnaires.


Q. Who else will be able to access my contact details?
A. Your contact details will be kept safely and securely and will only be used for this purpose and will not be shared with anyone else.


Q. How often will you contact me?
A. Not very often ….. [As and when the need arises]


Q. What is a patient group/patient participation group?
A. This is a group of volunteer patients who are involved in helping the surgery provide the services its patients need.


Q. Do I have to leave my contact details?
A. No, this is completely voluntary but if you change your mind, please let us know.


Q. What if I no longer wish to be on the contact list or I leave the surgery?
A. We will ask you to let us know by e-mail if you do not wish to receive further messages.