PIF Update to UK quality mark for health and care information

The Patient Information Forum (PIF) has launched an update to the UK’s only assessed quality mark for print and digital health and care information.

Organisations must undergo a rigorous, independent assessment, proving they meet 10 criteria, to be awarded the PIF TICK.

The update places a greater emphasis on inclusion and reflects the huge evolution in health and care information since the PIF TICK was launched in 2020.

PIF Chair Sue Farrington said: “We are proud to mark 25 years of PIF with an update to the PIF TICK criteria for trusted health information. Consulting with our members to ensure the criteria continue to lead best practice and encourage ongoing improvement is an essential part of our mission. We and our members have adapted during the pandemic to promote access to trusted health information and support to allow patients and the public to make informed decisions about health and care. It is now important that rapid development in practice is captured in the criteria. We are grateful for the work of the independent steering group, of members and non-members, who have provided scrutiny of the update.”

The PIF TICK criteria for health and care information has been updated in collaboration with an independent steering group made up of representative organisations and external experts. The updated criteria are:

1.       Systems:  Information is created using a consistent and documented process.

2.       Training: Staff receive ongoing training and support.

3.       Need: Resources meet a genuine need.

4.       Evidence: Information is based on reliable, up-to-date evidence which is communicated clearly.

5.       Involving users: Users are involved in the development of information.

6.       Health inequalities: Information is written to meet health and digital literacy, language and accessibility needs of the target audience.

7.       Content and design: Information is clearly communicated, easy to access and navigate.

8.       Feedback: There is a clear process for users to provide feedback.

9.       Disseminating: Information is promoted to maximise reach.

10.   Impact: The impact of information is measured.