5 Ways to Improve Patient Engagement at Your GP Surgery

Patient engagement is at the heart of delivering high-quality healthcare services, and it’s a big part of what the CQC look at when evaluating your practice.

When patients feel informed and involved, they are more likely to take an active role in their health, leading to better outcomes and stronger relationships with your practice.

Here are five simple yet effective strategies to improve patient engagement at your GP surgery.

1. Enhance Your Digital Communication Channels

In today’s digital age, patients expect convenient access to information and communication with their healthcare providers. Even those who aren’t tech-savvy often still appreciate simpler forms of communication such as updates on the practice’s Facebook page.

Make sure your website is user-friendly and includes essential features. Consider using email newsletters and text message or NHS app reminders to keep patients informed about important updates and health tips.

2. Leverage Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are excellent tools for staying connected with your patients. By sharing relevant health advice, surgery news, and updates on local healthcare and community initiatives, you can maintain an ongoing conversation with your community.

Encouraging feedback and responding to questions or concerns through these channels can further enhance patient satisfaction and engagement.

3. Create a Digital Patient Participation Group (PPG)

A Digital Patient Participation Group allows patients to engage with your practice online, offering feedback and suggestions without the need for in-person meetings - making it much more accessible for a vast range of people.

You can use surveys, forums, or even social media groups to gather insights on patient needs, concerns, and suggestions for improvement. A digital PPG helps foster a collaborative relationship between your practice and its patients, improving services and engagement in a flexible, accessible way.

4. Utilise Patient Surveys

Feedback is crucial for understanding what patients think about your services and where improvements can be made. Regularly send out surveys to gauge patient satisfaction and gather insights on what they want to see from your practice.

Be sure to act on the feedback you receive and communicate any changes you’ve made as a result, showing patients that their opinions matter.

5. Promote Preventative Healthcare

Engage your patients by emphasising the importance of preventative care. From flu shot reminders to tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, promoting preventative measures can keep patients engaged in their own healthcare and show them that GP practices aren’t just for people who are actively ill.

Providing educational materials in waiting rooms, on social media, and through your website helps build awareness and encourages patients to take a proactive approach to their health.

Improving patient engagement doesn’t have to be complicated. By enhancing communication, offering opportunities for feedback, and promoting preventative healthcare, your GP surgery can build stronger relationships with patients and improve overall satisfaction. Implementing these strategies will help you create a more connected, informed, and engaged patient base.

Ready to take your surgery’s patient engagement to the next level? Let us help you to craft a strategy that drives results. Get in touch here.