Patient Needs Groups

 What are the John Hopkins Patient Need Groups (PNG)? 

Patient Need Groups categorise patients into different groups based on the complexity and intensity of their healthcare needs rather than just their medical conditions. Instead of focusing solely on a diagnosis (like diabetes or heart disease) it considers a broader range of health characteristics about a patient. 

 How Do PNGs Work? 

These groups consider factors like the number of chronic conditions, the severity of illness and the level of support a patient might need. The patients in a particular group have similar patterns of need. 

For example: 

Red PNG 10,11 = Complex Care Needs 

Patients with multiple chronic conditions require regular monitoring and a coordinated care approach. 

Amber PNG 5-9 = Stable Chronic Conditions 

Patients with chronic conditions that are well-managed and require occasional support to maintain their stability. 

Green PNG 1-4 = Healthy 

Patients without significant health issues require less intervention and could benefit from preventive care. 

As patients’ needs change over time, their categorisation changes with them. 

PNG therefore offers an indication of a patient’s background health, at a point in time. 

What are the benefits of having this information available on patient records? 

1. Personalised Care: Healthcare providers can use PNGs to tailor their care plans. This means patients receive the specific type of care they need, whether it’s more frequent monitoring, specialised treatment, or preventive care. 

2. Improved Coordination: PNGs help healthcare teams coordinate more effectively. If a patient has complex needs, the care team can work together to ensure all aspects of their health are addressed, from medication management to lifestyle support. 

3. Better Resource Allocation: Hospitals and GP Surgeries can allocate resources more efficiently based on the needs of different patient groups. This ensures that patients with the most urgent needs receive timely care, while those with less critical conditions are managed appropriately. 

4. Proactive Health Management: For patients in lower-need groups, PNGs encourage preventive care and early intervention. This can help them maintain their health status and avoid complications in the future. 

5. Enhanced Communication: PNGs facilitate better communication between patients and healthcare providers. By understanding which group a patient falls into, together they can have clearer discussions about what to expect from the care they receive and what actions they can take to manage their health. 

If you have any questions relating to the John Hopkins score relating to your medical records, please contact frimleyicb.jennerhousesurgery@nhs.net

Further Reading

ACG Patient Need Groups