Patient resources gain quality mark

The College is delighted to say we have been certified by the PIF TICK scheme as a ‘Trusted Information Creator’ for our patient resources. We’re committed to making sure our information resources for patients and carers are reliable, evidence-based and accessible. To make sure our information meets the highest possible standards, the College signed up for independent assessment by the Patient Information Forum (PIF). We applied to join the PIF TICK scheme – the only UK-wide quality mark for health and care information – and we were certified last month. 

'Delighted' 

Professor Wendy Burn, Chair of the Public Engagement Editorial Board (PEEB), which oversees the College’s patient and carer information resources, said:

“We’re delighted to join the UK’s only quality mark for print and online health information. We look forward to proudly displaying the PIF TICK. 

“We wouldn’t be able to produce our information resources without the invaluable support of people with lived experience of mental illness, learning disabilities and developmental disorders. We are also hugely grateful to the members and other health professionals who generously give their time to help produce our resources.” 

Evidence-based and up to date 

The PIF TICK scheme was launched in May 2020. To gain accreditation, organisations must meet 10 key criteria in their information production process. 

This means that the public can be assured that what they are reading, watching or listening to is evidence-based, understandable, jargon-free, up-to-date and produced to the best possible standard. 

In July 2021, a public website, www.piftick.org.uk, was launched to raise awareness of PIF TICK accredited members and help people find trusted health information. 

PIF TICK manager Dan Wills said:

“Our research shows people want a quality mark on health information. With so much misinformation available, the PIF TICK is a quick and easy way for people to identify information which is trustworthy, up-to-date and evidence based.” 

Return to our April 2023 update.