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

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 failure) it takes into account a 
broader range of health characteristics a patient may have. 

You may notice a test result appear in your NHS app referring to your Patient Need Group. 

No action is needed from you. 

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 that patients receive the specific type of care they need, whether it’s 
more frequent monitoring, specialised treatment, or preventative 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 recourse allocation. Hospitals and GP surgeries can allocate resources 
more effectively 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-needs groups, PNGs 
encourage preventative 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

 

Published on 31st Jul 2025