Asking: A way to know if others understand

Weekly news round up – 1 July 2020

Multi-disciplinary team launches coronavirus support appA new free-to-download app to help people navigate the coronavirus pandemic has been launched. The…

Launch of National Health and Care Video Library

An online library of more than 600 videos aims to make it easier for patients to access trusted health information and guidance remotely.The Health and…

Weekly news round up – 24 June 2020

COVID-19 and inequalitiesA new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies aims to bring together what has emerged so far about the impacts of the COVID-19…

ELFy – support app for asthma, epilepsy and mental health

A free-to-download app is helping people self manage long-term conditions.ELFy, developed by Professor John Wass, Simon Carbery and Sarah Spain, is a…

Weekly news round up – 17 June 2020

Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on BAME communitiesPublic Health England has published an in-depth report on the impact of COVID-19 on BAME communities.Crucially,…

Consultation on revised guidelines on patient consent for blood transfusion

Weekly news round up – 11 June 2020

COVID-19 research programmeThe Health Foundation has launched a new research programme for projects seeking to understand the impact of COVID-19 in the…

New digital self-help tool for people with multiple sclerosis

A new digital self-help tool for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been developed by the MS Trust and Biogen.ACT MySelf, aims to ease the emotional…

Weekly news round up – 3 June 2020

New guidance to support recording of COVID-19 dataThe Professional Records Standards Body (PRSB) has published new guidance to support information sharing…

A tribute to Michael Seres

It is with a heavy heart, and great sadness, that we share with you the news that Michael Seres has died. Many of you will have seen and heard Michael…

Disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19

A descriptive review of data by Public Health England has confirmed COVID-19 has replicated existing health inequalities and, in some cases, increased…

Weekly news round up – 27 May 2020

Half a million more may experience mental ill health as a result of COVID-19At least half a million more people in the UK may experience mental ill health…

The Epilepsy Space: a new resource for young people with epilepsy

Epilepsy Action has launched a new resource for people aged 16 to 25. Epilepsy Space has been created by young people for young people to help them…

Weekly news round up – 20 May 2020

Latest NICE rapid guidelinesIn recent weeks NICE has been supporting the NHS and social care by developing a series of rapid guidelines.These have covered…

Video: Planning for future care

Every year in May, Dying Matters Awareness Week provides an opportunity to focus on the importance of talking about dying, death and bereavement.As part…

Weekly news round up – 13 May 2020

Our Covid Voices website launchesNational Voices has launched a new website, Our Covid Voices, where people living with health and care needs can tell…

PIF TICK – a new quality mark for UK health information

The PIF TICK, the new UK quality mark for health information, has today been awarded to 11 health organisations including Cancer Research UK, Bupa, Mind,…

Weekly news round up – 6 May 2020

Higher COVID-19 death rates in deprived areasNew figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggest people living in deprived areas…

Compassion in Dying develops framework to help GPs

Compassion in Dying has developed a new framework to support GPs to have advance care planning conversations with patients by phone or video, in the context…

Weekly news round up – 29 April 2020

'Widespread misperceptions' around COVID-19A survey has found, while on average the public have a clear view of the seriousness of the health threat of…

PIF members win at Charity Film Awards

Several PIF members have been recognised at the Charity Film Awards 2020.The awards aim to celebrate film as a communication tool and provide a platform…

Texthelp offers free access to web accessibility software in COVID-19 crisis

Texthelp is offering free 90-day access to its digital inclusion tool Browsealoud, so organisations can ensure their website is accessible to every visitor.In…

Weekly news round up – 22 April 2020

Guide to creating virtual meetings and eventsA new crowd-sourced guide to running meaningful online events and meetings for public engagement professionals…

Stroke Association publishes COVID-19 resources

The Stroke Association has published specialised information on COVID-19 for people affected by stroke.The resources are for all stroke survivors, and…

Weekly news round up – 15 April 2020

COVID-19 communications 'ineffective'An online survey has revealed the public thinks ineffective communication has been a major issue during the COVID-19…

PIF members call on government for social care support

PIF member organisations have written a joint letter to the secretary of state for health and social care during the COVID-19 pandemic.The Alzheimer's…

Weekly news round up – 8 April 2020

NICE publishes new COVID-19 rapid guidelinesNICE has published the latest in its series of COVID-19 rapid guidelines.The new guidelines cover the management…

Tommy’s launches information voice technology service

Tommy's has launched a new information voice technology service which can answer questions on all areas of pregnancy.Sarah Siguine, Head of Pregnancy…

Weekly news round up – 1 April 2020

Public health information during COVID-19The government has introduced a series of measures and resources to keep the public informed during the COVID-19…

NHS Wales develops IT system for COVID-19 testing

NHS Wales Informatics Service has created an electronic test requesting system for use in community test units across Wales.It will mean the results of…

Weekly news round up – 25 March 2020

Techforce19 fund launchedNHSX is calling on all innovators who can support the elderly, vulnerable and self-isolating during COVID-19 to apply for government…

Virtual Co-vid Companion scheme launched by Shift.ms

Shift.ms has launched a 1-2-1 video service for those in isolation.Co-vid Companion aims to reduce the heightened isolation and loneliness that can exist…

NICE issues COVID-19 rapid guidelines

NICE has published its first rapid guidelines for use during the coronavirus pandemic.The first three guidelines cover care for people receiving critical…

Weekly news round up – 18 March 2020

Voluntary organisations and coronavirusNCVO has put together a list of practical information for voluntary organisations in light of the spread of the…

PIF members support community rehabilitation toolkit

A new toolkit aims to support the commissioning of community services based on people’s holistic not condition-specific needs.The NHS RightCare community…

Weekly news round up – 11 March 2020

NHS takes action against coronavirus fake news onlineThe NHS has this week unveiled a package of measures in the battle against coronavirus fake news.It…

British Lung Foundation issues coronavirus advice

The British Lung Foundation has issued advice for people with a lung condition who are worried out the coronavirus.A dedicated web page offers practical…

Weekly news round up – 5 March 2020

Healthcare information for allThe World Medical Association (WMA) has unanimously approved a statement on healthcare information for all, proposed by…

BRIAN from The Brain Tumour Charity

This Brain Tumour Awareness Month, The Brain Tumour Charity is encouraging patients to sign up to BRIAN, its online app driven by patient data.BRIAN (Brain…

PIF quality mark scheme opens to new members

PIF’s new quality mark for trustworthy health information is to open to new members following a successful pilot and consumer research which demonstrated…

Dan Wills to lead quality mark project

The Patient Information Forum is delighted to announce that Dan Wills will be leading the launch of our new quality mark for health information.Dan is…

Weekly news round up – 26 February 2020

Health inequalities widen across EnglandA report into health equity in England has shown health inequalities have widened over the last decade.The Marmot…

Data-driven care at NHS Wales

New condition-specific data dashboards are being developed by NHS Wales to provide insight into patient outcomes and identify variations in care.Analysts…

Weekly news round up – 19 February 2020

Call for greater engagement with communitiesA new report sets out the extent to which the 'social investment sector' should engage with users to improve…

ALLIANCE launches long term conditions awareness day

Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland has announced it is launching an international long term conditions awareness day.My Condition, My Life will…

Crohn's & Colitis UK launches new storybook

A new illustrated storybook and video animation has been launched to give children more confidence when talking about Crohn's and colitis.Crohn’s &…

Weekly news round up – 12 February 2020

Cancer patients 'left in the dark' about the 'basics' of diseaseMacmillan Cancer Support has said thousands of people diagnosed with cancer a year are…

Weekly news round up – 5 February 2020

Reducing inequalities in BME patient experienceNHS England has published three new videos on "Learning from the experience of BME cancer patients".The…

MS Society publishes models of best practice

The MS Society has published two reports evaluating innovative models of care for people with multiple sclerosis.It commissioned ICF to evaluate two innovative…

Weekly news round up – 29 January 2020

New guidance on digital and mobile interventionsNICE has said digital and mobile interventions could support regular health services in helping people…

New mental health resources for young people

PIF partner Bupa UK and member Mind have teamed up to help young people and their parents access resources to improve their mental health.Independent…

Weekly news round up – 22 January 2020

New code to protect children's privacy onlineThe UK's data watchdog has produced a new code to protect children's privacy online.The Information Commissioner's…

Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust launches #SmearForFear

Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust has launched a new campaign to mark Cervical Cancer Prevention Week.#SmearForFear aims to raise awareness of the facts about…

Weekly news round up – 15 January 2020

Improving care using patient feedbackThe National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has published a themed review of its research into patient feedback.Improving…

Healthwatch launches #SpeakUp2020 campaign

Healthwatch has launched its #SpeakUp2020 campaign.The campaign encourages everybody to speak up about what would make health and social care services…

Weekly news round up – 8 January 2020

NHS App users more than double in three monthsThe number of patients using the NHS App has more than doubled since Chief Nurse Ruth May announced the…

Detecting and diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease

An investigation by Alzheimer's Research UK and MSD has examined public attitudes to early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.Alzheimer's…

Weekly news round up – 18 December 2019

Shared decision making: why the slow progress?In this essay, Neal Maskrey discusses why, after more than 40 years of research and policy endorsement,…

Marie Curie publishes managing breathlessness booklet

Marie Curie has created a new booklet to help people living with breathlessness. It covers information on how the lungs work, medicines to help breathlessness…

Weekly news round up – 11 December 2019

Four design principles for digital healthThe Digital Healthcare Council has set out four key design principles it believes are essential to create a vibrant…

Nutrition and Diet Resources UK launches NDR Prescribe

Nutrition and Diet Resources UK has launched a digital resource delivery system.NDR Prescribe allows health professionals to prescribe personalised resources…

Weekly news round up – 3 December 2019

Self Care Week surveyOrganisations and individuals who took part in Self Care Week 2019 are being asked to take part in a short survey.This year, more…

Anthony Nolan launches first audiobook

Anthony Nolan has launched its first audiobook to help more people access its support and advice.'Managing fatigue after transplant' is narrated by actor…

Weekly news round up – 28 November 2019

Taskforce on Multiple Conditions to hold webinarThe Taskforce on Multiple Conditions is planning a ‘learn and share’ webinar in January 2020.It will be…

Crohn's & Colitis UK launches In My Shoes app

A new app allows people to experience first-hand how Crohn's or Colitis can affect every part of someone's body and every aspect of their lives.Last week…

Weekly news round up – 20 November 2019

Patient empowerment is vitalTo mark Self Care Week Dr Pete Smith, president of the Self Care Forum, has written this blog on why patient empowerment is…

Epilepsy Action resource is Just for kids

Epilepsy Action has produced a series of resources specifically for children with the condition.Just for kids includes animated films, an activity pack…

Weekly news round up – 14 November 2019

Self Care Week 2019Self Care Week, an annual national awareness week focusing on providing support for self care, is back from 18-24 November.This year's…

New video highlights REACH service at Evelina London

A new video highlights the REACH service at Evelina London.REACH provides intensive, play-based therapy to children with weakness on one side.As part…

Weekly news round-up – 6 November 2019

Survey: LGBT Patients’ Experiences of Primary CareThe LGBT Foundation Patients’ Experiences of Primary Care Annual Survey is now live.Running until 19…

Macmillan launches new tool for people with cancer-related fatigue

Macmillan and the University of Southampton have developed a new online resource to support people with cancer-related fatigue. This new resource…

Job: Writer/Editor – Independent Age

Job role: Writer/Editor, Independent AgeLocation:  London OfficeSalary:  £28,000Closing Date:  Sunday 10 November 2019Reference: …

Survey: LGBT Patients’ Experiences of Primary Care

Running until 19 November, the survey asks about people’s experiences of accessing healthcare services from their GP, dentist, pharmacist and optometrist.It…

Job: Health Information Coordinator, Prostate Cancer UK

Role: Health Information Coordinator, Prostate Cancer UKSalary: £26,138 per annumLocation: Central LondonJob type: Full-time, permanentDeadline…

Pancreatic Cancer UK publishes Demand Survival Now

Demand Survival Now calls upon the government to commit to a series of changes.It says pancreatic cancer has been absent from cancer strategies and plans…

Weekly news round-up – 30 October 2019

Artificial Intelligence: How to get it rightNHSX has published a new report on putting policies into practice for safe, data-driven innovation in…

How patient stories can improve health services around the world

It contains a number of papers which look at expectations and experiences of health services from the perspective of service users, their carers…

Using patient experience data to improve inpatient mental health care

It examines how patient experience and feedback is obtained in inpatient mental health care settings and how it can be used to create…

Why we need a sector-wide emphasis on accessible health information

In this article for PharmaPhorum, our projects and partnerships manager Sophie Randall spoke to Amanda Barrell about the need to balance evidence-based…

Helping organisations support older people with digital

The toolkit was published to mark Get Online Week – the UK’s largest digital inclusion campaign.It aims to help organisations support older…

National roll-out of electronic prescription service

Primary care minister Jo Churchill announced the move on Saturday (19 October) saying it would make staff and patients’ lives easier.The electronic prescription…

Understanding medical information is harder than you think

Non-profit patient-empowerment organisation Zaggo says struggling to understand and use health information can negatively affect health status, outcomes…

Call for search engines to crack down on counterfeit medications

Brand protection provider Incopro found six out of ten results for Bactrim led to locations ‘very likely to be operating unlawfully’.It also claims…

Can patient-centred care plus shared decision making lower costs?

Bernhoven is famous among hospitals around the globe for its hospital-wide, patient centred approach.In 2014, Bernhoven began its five year strategy Better…

New guide for young people with autism

Assessment and diagnosis of autism: what to expect for young people and their families is aimed at young people of secondary school age.It explains why…

Self care before surgery

She discusses how patients can improve their physical and mental health prior to surgery, including using the Fitter, Better, Sooner toolkit produced…

Improving health literacy in immigrant communities

Anchorage, Alaska, has a large immigrant and refugee population.Many speak limited English and most are unfamiliar with where, or how, to obtain health…

The medical illiteracy epidemic

He discusses how an encounter with a young couple whose baby needed to be delivered early made him realise that, even if he empathises with a patient…

‘Please don’t call me mum’

Stephanie’s daughter Daisy was born with a rare genetic condition in 2004.She says being referred to as ‘mum’ immediately created a power-based relationship…

Knowvember19 – how to get involved

Launched in 2018, Knowvember is a chance for librarians and knowledge specialists to showcase the many ways they mobilise evidence and knowledge.It…

Tools to increase health literacy

The article includes data supporting the importance of health literacy, discusses the role of shared decision making and shares some key resources which…

‘We could learn a lot from patients about integrated care’

In this podcast, she discusses how patient experiences tell us almost everything we need to know about healthcare services.Lesley says trusts are…

CQC publishes State of Care report

The Care Quality Commission’s annual assessment of health and social care in England shows quality ratings have been maintained overall – but people’s…

New platform launched to support mental health

Every Mind Matters was launched by Public Health England and the NHS at the start of Mental Health Awareness Week.The platform includes everything from…

NHS Bill recommendations published

The Long Term Plan included several proposed changes to the law which the organisation believed would help meet its 10-year goals.Earlier this year, staff,…

Pharmacist-led intervention for patients using long-term opioids

Researchers from the University of Keele will develop the intervention based on patients’ own experiences with long-term pain as well as advice from pharmacists…

New tool for local health literacy figures

Ruth Carlyle, Strategic Lead NHS library and knowledge services – East of England and Midlands, worked with the Universities of Newcastle and Southampton…

Reviewing work conversations in healthcare

PHE’s ‘work as a health outcome’ programme seeks to encourage healthcare professionals to have supportive conversations about work and health with…

Versus Arthritis launches #PainNoFilter campaign

#PainNoFilter aims to show the reality of living with the pain of arthritis and related conditions – no airbrushing, no filters, just a single image of…

Get Online Week 2019

Get Online Week, run by the Good Things Foundation, runs 14-20 October.Around 5.3 million people in the UK have never been online according to the Good…

Trialling tailored web-based information for older patients

Many patients with cancer, including older patients aged 65 or over, consult the web to prepare for a doctor’s visit.In particular, older patients have…

Is social prescribing the future?

Amanda Barrell’s article for Pharmafield looks at how social prescribing has been hailed as the future of health and social care and asks if we are…

How people travel to and from NHS services

The organisation will be working with NHS England to support its new national review of the links between the NHS and local transport.Between March…

Still time to get involved in Self Care Week

The Self Care Forum has published a list of ways organisations and individuals can participate in the awareness event. Ideas include:Holding a small event…

Addressing health literacy in schools

Addressing health literacy in schools in the WHO European Region argues the education system as a whole, and schools in particular, are important settings…

Text reminders increase attendance at NHS health checks

Sending text messages reminding people to book their NHS health check following their invitation letter increases attendance, according to a study analysed…

Technology enables deaf people to access NHS 111

Technology is enabling the deaf community to access NHS 111 when they need urgent medical help.Using a computer and webcam, or the InterpreterNow…

Push for improved health literacy definition

Salud America! aims to inspire people to drive community change for the health of Latino and all children.Earlier this year, the Department of Health…

Using health communication to improve population health

The ongoing American Healthy People 2020 campaign sets a 10-year agenda for improving the nation’s health.One of the key objectives is to use health…

Human experience matters most

The latest edition of Patient Experience features a number of patients helping the NHS Leadership Academy to think about ‘patient leadership’.One…

Health Literacy Month begins

The annual, worldwide awareness event runs until 31 October and aims to shine a spotlight on innovators in the field of health literacy.Throughout…

NHS hospitals go back to the future for dementia care

It is hoped the changes will create a calming, familiar environment which can help jog memories, reduce anxiety and distress.Innovations range from a ‘memories…

Fifteen years’ use of patient-reported outcomes

A new paper highlights trends from 15 years of patient-reported outcome (PRO) data.The paper highlights trends with respect to patient inclusion,…

PIF Quality Mark pilot announced

The Patient Information Forum (PIF) is to pilot a new quality mark to help people identify trustworthy, high-quality health information, it…

The impact of a no-deal Brexit on health and care

The King’s Fund, the Health Foundation and Nuffield Trust have sent an open letter to MPs summarising the four major areas where the impact of a no deal…

PIF Quality Mark pilot

In August 2018, NHS England announced The Information Standard kite mark, membership and assessment scheme was to cease.PIF consulted widely with its…

Updated advice on accessible meetings and events

The Social Care Institute for Excellence has updated its online resource for anyone who is organising an event and wants to make it accessible.It is a…

Study: Impact of virtual reality on children’s pain during procedures

A new study has found virtual reality shows promise in helping to distract children from self-reported pain and anxiety during medical procedures.Authors…

Strong bones after 50: fracture liaison services explained

The Royal College of Physicians has launched a guide and animation providing jargon-free information to patients and carers for supporting older…

Digital diabetes prevention rolled out as part of Long Term Plan

Thousands of people at risk of Type 2 diabetes will receive digital support to prevent them developing the condition as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.In…

Study: Sources of information used by patients prior to elective surgery

A new scoping review aims to describe the range and nature of available research regarding sources of information patients access to inform their decisions…

Navigating the patient feedback maze

A new paper reviews what types of patient experience feedback are currently available, categorising them by their characteristics in order to better understand…

Improvement Fundamentals in a Day toolkit published

A new toolkit has been published, providing all the resources needed to run a local quality improvement workshop without expertise.Improvement Fundamentals…

NHS England publishes online elective care handbooks

A collection of handbooks setting out best practice and ‘how-to’ solutions for each of the 14 high-volume elective care specialities has been published…

New directory showcases innovative community-centred models

Think Local Act Personal (TLAP) has launched a new online resource showcasing support which is innovative in its approach to improving people’s health…

Applications open for NHS Community Grants 2019

Applications are now open for Community Grants 2019 – sharing and celebrating patient and public involvement in healthcare.NHS England and NHS Improvement…

Patient experience is the weakest of the three arms of quality

In this new series Jeremy Taylor, former chief executive of National Voices, talks to people undertaking work with patients, families and carers.In…

Using online patient feedback to improve care

A new guide has been launched supporting clinical, patient experience and quality teams to understand how to use online feedback to improve healthcare.Available…

How to survive fake news about cancer

In this article David Robert Grimes discusses the prevalence of cancer myths and ‘bogus treatments’ online.He outlines the concerns of many organisations…