1. Wider Patient Engagement (WPE) – A student’s view…
By Emma Lydon, BSc Adult Nursing student

2. Joined the Patient Participation Group (PPG) at my local GP practice and help to promote the PPG and health centre
Got involved in the EHealth Productivity in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (EPIC) project
Researched patient feedback on my placement areas using Care Opinion website and shared it with my mentors
Researched CQC reports on my placement areas
Attended study day activities – e.g. lecture by Simon Stevens, CEO of NHS England on ‘Creating a 21st Century NHS’
Carried out Twitter activity with relevant nursing groups
WPE – What I’ve done

3. Agendas & minutes of Patient Participation Group (PPG) meetings / photos to evidence my involvement
Agenda / attendee lists for EPIC events, link to video I contributed to, copies of s
Upload screenshots of relevant patient reviews on Care Opinion website
Summary of CQC feedback for my placement areas
Copies of my notes/learning from study day activities
Upload screenshots of Twitter activity
How I’ve evidenced it

5. How I’ve benefited from WPE
Deeper understanding of what it’s like to be a patient
Greater empathy with patients
Met new people and expanded my nursing network
Broadened my knowledge of the NHS, primary care services, future issues and how eHealth may help
Helped to improve patient care in placements by sharing patient feedback and information that they were previously unaware of
Opened my eyes to future opportunities

6. Tips for successful WPE
View it as integral to your nursing education
Think creatively – what’s relevant to your placement?
Keep it simple – it doesn’t have to be onerous
Be honest about how much you can reasonably contribute
Push yourself to delve deeper… you’ll see the benefit