Asking: A way to know if others understand

COVID-19 autumn winter plan published; Long Covid and Universal Credit, Boosting numeracy skills

Government publishes autumn and winter COVID-19 planThe Government has published its COVID-19 Response: Autumn and Winter Plan 2021.It outlines Plan A…

PIF joins Patient Coalition for AI, Data and Digital Tech in Health

A new coalition with members from Royal Colleges, health charities and patient groups has come together to ensure the interests of patients are at the…

Charities unite to tackle health inequalities; Patient Experience report; Patient leaders join ABPI council

Charities unite to tackle health inequalitiesNew charity members have joined the Government's refreshed Health and Wellbeing Alliance.The 19 Alliance…

PIF members featured in CQC cervical screening myth buster

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published a myth buster containing useful resources to support cervical screening.PIF members Public Health England,…

Promoting race equality in health research; Supporting people who use BSL; Inclusive language in health

NIHR recruits organisations to promote race equality in health researchOrganisations delivering health research are taking part in a three-month reflective…

How Digital Health and Care Wales supported the pandemic response

PIF member Digital Health and Care Wales is the special health authority supporting the digital transformation of NHS Wales.In a new article for Digital…

HEE call for evidence; New pregnancy care guideline; Women's Health Plan published

HEE call for evidence from charity and independent sectorsHealth Education England has been commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care to…

PIF members shortlisted for HSJ Awards 2021

PIF member organisations have been included in the shortlist for the HSJ Awards 2021.The categories and PIF members shortlisted are below.Acute or Specialist…

Impact of COVID-19 on older people; Young people with type 2 diabetes report; Digital health inequalities

Impact of COVID-19 on older people’s mental and physical healthAge UK has released a report examining the impact of COVID-19 on older people's mental…

Cancer patients report worse care during COVID-19

Almost a third of cancer patients have reported receiving worse care since COVID-19 began, according to a new survey commissioned by PIF member Cancer…

Study into pandemic hospital care; Health and Wellbeing Fund applications open; Prehabilitation cancer care

Study provides insight into pandemic hospital careThe Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has conducted the largest study to date of the quality of care…

PRSB to host Diabetes Information Standard webinars

PIF member the Professional Records Standards Body (PRSB) is hosting a series of webinars to help develop two new Diabetes Information Standards.The number…

Multiple conditions and health equity; National disability strategy; Digital health trends

What people with multiple conditions say about health equityThe Taskforce on Multiple Conditions has published its final report into the lived experiences…

Diabetes UK calls on Government to prioritise diabetes care and prevention

PIF member Diabetes UK has launched a campaign calling on the Government to recognise the impact of COVID-19 on people with diabetes and prioritise care…

Global health literacy report; Attitudes to digital health; New plan for GP data collection

Health literacy around the worldThe Economist Intelligence Unit has published a special report on global health literacy.Health literacy around the world:…

Improving online accessibility for older web users

A new report by PIF member Texthelp and YouGov explores the experiences of people over 50 as services went 'digital by default' during the COVID-19 pandemic.The…

Call to delay lifting infection control measures; Improving healthcare communication; Health and Care Bill

Letter urges prime minister to reconsider lifting infection control measuresPIF has signed a joint letter urging prime minister Boris Johnson to urgently…

Text message questionnaires support cancer patients

Cancer patients at Guy’s and St Thomas’ are more likely to highlight concerns and anxieties about their health when contacted by text message than other…

Clear communication needed on COVID-19 rules; Marmot health inequalities report; Patient safety framework

Call for clear communication on changing COVID-19 rulesThe results of a two-wave survey examining the factors affecting lockdown policy support suggest…

Versus Arthritis publishes chronic pain report

A new report says we need to rethink how we support the 15.5 million people in England living with chronic pain through a far-reaching holistic and…

New PIF TICK quality mark website helps people find trusted health information

A new website to help people find trusted health information has launched today (5 July 2021).The PIF TICK public website launch coincides with the start…

Impact of admin on patient care; National Co-production Week; Digital challenges and opportunities

The impact of NHS administration on patient careSince 2019, National Voices, The King's Fund and Healthwatch England have been collaborating on a project…

PRSB to develop standards for sharing diabetes information

PIF partner PRSB has been commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement to produce standards for sharing diabetes information between people and professionals…

NHSX publishes new data strategy; Digital health inequalities; NHS waiting list patient experience survey

NHSX publishes new data strategyNHSX has published a new draft data strategy which aims to transform how data is used and shared throughout the healthcare…

National Voices launches Ask How I Am campaign

PIF member National Voices has launched a campaign calling for compassionate conversations at all points of contact between healthcare professionals and…

NICE publishes shared decision making guideline

NICE has published new guidelines recommending shared decision making be part of everyday practice across all healthcare settings.The new guideline offers…

Lessons for public health campaigns; Ethnicity coding in health datasets; Trustworthy use of GP data

Research exploring vaccination confidence provides lessons for public health campaignsHealthwatch England has joined forces with Traverse to explore vaccination…

Lessons for managing long-term conditions; Understanding health research; New guide for LGBT patients

Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic for the future management of long-term conditionsA new report offers recommendations on how to reset the relationship…

National Voices hosts Collaborations for Inclusion webinar

An upcoming webinar will offer the opportunity to hear from voluntary, private and public sector partners on their experiences of working together to…

Reducing digital inequalities; Good communication guide update; Patient views on electronic health records

Recommendations to reduce digital inequalitiesA new publication by the University of Manchester provides thought leadership and analysis on how to address…

Alzheimer's Society survey on co-creation of technology products

PIF member the Alzheimer's Society is producing a best practice guide for co-creating with people affected by dementia.The guide will have a particular…

Sharing online health information with GPs; Keys to inclusive healthcare; Patient stories of digital care

Study: Patients concerns about discussing internet use in GP consultationsA study examining patient accounts of internet use before a consultation found…

Independent Age publishes open letter on bereavement support

Independent Age is asking people to sign its open letter calling on the Government to 'fix bereavement support'.The letter, which has already been signed…

Open letter on health and digital literacy

To mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) the Patient Information Forum (PIF) has published an open letter calling on all health organisations…

Impact of AI on health information profession; COVID vaccination status launch; Dismantling health inequity

The impact of AI, machine learning, automation and robotics on the health information professionCILIP has published a report aiming to understand how…

Patients Association launches shared decision making survey

PIF member the Patients Association has launched a shared decision-making survey.The survey is part of its ongoing work to empower and enable patients…

Calls to reduce health inequality; Latest vaccine data; Implementing digital innovations

Report on future of NHS highlights health inequalitiesA report commissioned by The Lancet and the London School of Economics analyses the initial phase…

Registration open for ALLIANCE 2021 Annual Conference

PIF member ALLIANCE has opened registration for its 2021 week-long Annual Conference.The event will be held online from 7-11 June, is free to attend and…

Patient pandemic experience; Involving users in assistive technology design; Self Management Awards

Pandemic Patient Experience IIThe Patients Association has published a report on patient experiences of COVID-19.Pandemic Patient Experience II follows…

NICE publishes five-year strategy

NICE has marked its new five-year strategy with a virtual launch event.More than 3,000 people attended the launch of the strategy which covers 2021 to…

800,000 people left off shielding list; Communicating COVID-19 uncertainty; Digital priorities for patient safety

Central shielding programme failed to reach around 800,000 clinically extremely vulnerable peopleA report by the Public Accounts Committee says the Government’s…

PIF members featured in Health and Care Video Library

PIF member videos are being featured in the NHSX supported Health and Care Video Library.Earlier this year, Katherine Dyer from HCI Digital invited PIF…

Elective care and COVID-19; Tech4Good Awards; Facebook campaign to help prevent diabetes

How is elective care coping during COVID-19?The Health Foundation has published an analysis of the impact of the second wave of COVID-19 on elective care…

Each Baby Counts publishes final progress report

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has published the final progress report of its Each Baby Counts programme.RCOG led the programme…

Call to tackle UK health inequalities; Marmot responds to race report; Reaching people with health information

Levelling Up Health – the impact of COVID-19 on health inequalitiesA new report from the All Parliamentary Group for Longevity (APPG) says COVID-19 has…

Marie Curie publishes Better End of Life Report

End of life care was not seen as an essential, frontline service during the COVID-19 pandemic according to a report published by PIF member Marie Curie.The…

Public health reforms; The data health divide; Analysis of public vaccine attitudes

Consultation: Government plans to reform public health systemA new policy paper sets out reforms to the public health system in England, including the…

RCOA publishes GPAS Perioperative Care Chapter

The Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCOA) has announced the publication of Guidelines for the Provision of Anaesthesia Services (GPAS) for the Perioperative…

NHS plans to continue remote consultations; Accessing GP services during COVID-19

NHS plan includes target for continuing remote outpatient consultationsNHS England has published its priorities for the year ahead, including tackling…

Expert Self Care launches Young Carers Support App

Expert Self Care has launched a new app in collaboration with the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership, charities and young carers.The…

Vulnerability to health misinformation; Overcoming vaccination inequalities; Co-production podcast

Understanding vulnerability to online health misinformationThe Alan Turing Institute has published a report exploring who is most vulnerable to health-related…

HSJ Awards 2020 winners announced

Several PIF members have been recognised at the HSJ Awards 2020 during a virtual celebration of healthcare.The annual event celebrates healthcare providers…

Health literacy and preventative medicine; The health technology legacy of COVID-19

Democratising access to preventative health services International Longevity Centre UK has published a consultation paper setting out key criteria…

Macmillan Cancer Support: Caught in the Maze

A new report by PIF member Macmillan Cancer Support examines how far the UK’s health and care services need to go on integration for high-quality, personalised…

Producing health information for children and young people; Patient experience resources; Tackling digital inequality

Children and young people need accurate, accessible information about their healthcareNew draft guidance from NICE recommends ensuring children and young…

PIF member survey – the results

Thank you to everyone who took part in our recent PIF member survey. The results will be used to ensure PIF is providing the support you need during…

Impact of COVID-19 on cancer; Putting digital at heart of healthcare reform; COVID-19 vaccine impact

Nearly half of people with potential cancer symptoms in first wave did not contact GPA study by PIF member Cancer Research UK and Cardiff University has…

Self Care Forum launches Self Care Innovation Award

PIF partner the Self Care Forum has launched a new award celebrating innovations in self care.The Self Care Innovation Award 2021 expands the previous…

Plans for National Institute for Health Protection; New health inequalities research portal; The impact of integrated care

Establishing the National Institute for Health ProtectionA new UK Parliament insight paper reveals more details about the role of the National Institute…

Health, wellbeing and the COVID-19 pandemic

PIF member ALLIANCE has published the key findings from its People at the Centre (PatC) programme to capture the health and wellbeing experience of the…

Blueprint for NHS reform; How literacy influences health; New tool to tackle health inequalities

Blueprint launched for NHS and social care reformThe Department of Health and Social Care has published a new government white paper for health and care…

Alzheimer's Society launches dementia activity handbook

PIF member the Alzheimer's Society has published a new resource full of ideas about enjoyable and beneficial activities for people with dementia.The activities…

Involving patients in digital health; Engaging men in services; Sharing patient knowledge

Digital health: learning lessons to maintain momentumA report by the Patient Coalition for AI, Data and Digital Tech in Health outlines what the Government…

Patients Association publishes five-year strategy

The Patients Association has published its five year strategy with patient partnership as its central strategic focus.Its purpose is to ensure everybody…

Translated COVID-19 vaccination guides; Health inequity conference; Patient perspectives on digital health tools

Digital health tools for noncommunicable diseases – perspectives of patients and caregiversA new report discusses the use of digital health tools for…

PRSB announces Patient and People Network

PIF member PRSB has announced it is building a Patient and People Network.The network will support patients and carers to influence the information that…

Good communication guide; Long COVID study; ORCHA digital health trends report

Good communication with patients guideNHS England has published guidance to aid good communication with patients during the coronavirus pandemic.The guidance,…

Health Charities and the NHS: A vital partnership in peril?

A new report focuses on the vital work of charities throughout the pandemic and what lessons can be learned for the future of health and social care.Health…

Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review update; Maternity toolkit for minority ethnic women; Vaccinations handbook

Update: Government response to the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety ReviewMinister of State Nadine Dorries has issued a statement with…

Xploro joins KidsX digital health accelerator

Xploro, the app designed to reduce anxiety in children going into hospital for the treatment of a serious illness, has joined the inaugural cohort of…

Call for translated COVID-19 information; Embedding young people's participation; Updated guidance on vaccination priority groups

Report calls for co-produced, BME community-facing COVID-19 messagingThe NHS Confederation BME Leadership Network has published a report into the disproportionate…

Royal College of Physicians' COVID-19 study

Preliminary findings from what is expected to be one of the largest reviews of hospital care delivered during the pandemic have been presented at the…

NHS Digital services see surge in use; Long COVID guideline published; GP Patient Survey opens

COVID-19 prompts surge in the number of people using NHS tech in 2020NHS Digital services saw a huge increase in use throughout 2020 as a result of social…

NICE says shared decision making is an integral part of healthcare

Draft guidance from NICE, published shortly before Christmas, says shared decision making should be embedded throughout healthcare services.The guideline…

Weekly news round up – 16 December 2020

Build Back Fairer: The COVID-19 Marmot ReviewThe Institute of Health Equity has published Build Back Fairer: The COVID-19 Marmot Review highlighting the…

New resources from Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust

PIF member Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust has published a new information resource on LLETZ treatment for cervical cell changes. Last year's Not So Simple…

Weekly news round up – 9 December 2020

Digital technology and health inequalitiesNHS Wales has published a framework for considering how lack of access, skills and motivation for using digital…

Healthwatch Enfield publishes 'One size does not fit all' report

A Healthwatch Enfield report reveals a lack of trust in healthcare services among some members of Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.Its One…

Weekly news round up – 2 December 2020

Digital inclusion in health and careGood Things Foundation has published a new report on lessons learned from the NHS Widening Digital Participation Programme.The…

Marie Curie becomes 50th PIF TICK member

The Patient Information Forum (PIF) welcomes Marie Curie as the 50th member of the PIF TICK, a new quality mark for trustworthy health information.The…

Weekly news round up – 25 November 2020

COVID-19 and Health InequalitySAGE has published a report examining the inequalities of COVID-19 and attempting to contextualise them within the wider…

talkhealth publishes a series of vaccine articles

A new series of articles by PIF member talkhealth aims to inform the public about vaccinations and dispel some common myths.The articles include both…

Weekly news round up – 18 November 2020

People with learning disabilities had higher death rate from COVID-19The death rate of people with learning disabilities was up to six times higher than…

Helping children and young people get the health information they want

An updated guide to producing health information for children and young people has been published by PIF.The 2020 Guide to Producing Health Information…

Weekly news round up – 11 November 2020

Social media companies and Government team up to tackle vaccine disinformationThe UK Government and social media companies have agreed a package of measures…

Report recognises importance of library and knowledge specialists

A new report commissioned by PIF member Health Education England highlights the important role of NHS library and knowledge specialists.Library and Knowledge…

Weekly news round up – 4 November 2020

Living with COVID-19 – a dynamic evidence reviewThe National Institute for Health Research has published a dynamic review of the evidence around ongoing…

Psoriasis Association launches new resources

PIF member the Psoriasis Association has published new resources to help people manage and care for scalp psoriasis.The tips were released during Psoriasis…

Weekly news round up – 28 October 2020

Report on progress to address COVID-19 health inequalitiesThe Government has released a report summarising work undertaken on COVID-19 disparities since…

talkhealth publishes Diversity in Healthcare report

A new report by PIF member talkhealth explores diversity in health and outlines the need for more tailored services.The report is based on a recent survey…

Weekly news round up – 21 October 2020

Updated COVID-19 advice for clinically extremely vulnerableThe Government has announced people classed as 'clinically extremely vulnerable' will receive…

Report warns disjointed heart failure care is costing lives

A new report by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) says disjointed and unequal care, likely exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is leading to more people…

Weekly news round up – 14 October 2020

The experience of older people with multimorbidity during the COVID-19 pandemic A report into the experiences of older people with multimorbidity…

Public Heath England updates Health Equity Assessment Tool

PIF member Public Health England (PHE) has updated a tool to help tackle health inequalities.The Health Equity Assessment Tool (HEAT) was reviewed in…

Weekly news round up – 8 October 2020

Core NHS and care services during the pandemic and beyondThe Health and Social Care Select Committee has released its report Delivering core NHS and care…

Report reveals impact of coronavirus on families affected by dementia

PIF member the Alzheimer's Society has released a report calling on the Government to 'fix social care now'.Worst hit: dementia during coronavirus says…

PIF calls on health information providers to sign health and digital literacy charter

The Patient Information Forum (PIF) is calling for all health information providers to sign up to a health and digital literacy commitment charter.By…

Weekly news round up – 1 October 2020

Pandemic patient experienceThe Patients Association has published a report into the UK patient experience of health, care and other support during the…

Bowel Cancer UK publishes Never Too Young report

PIF member Bowel Cancer UK has published its Never Too Young report exploring the experiences of younger people with bowel cancer.Bowel Cancer UK launched…

Weekly news round up – 23 September 2020

Government publishes further details of National Institute for Health Protection plansThe Government has released a briefing on its plans for a new National…

PIF members win AI in Health and Care Awards

The winners of the first round of The Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Health and Care Awards  have been announced.The award is making £140 million…

1 in 3 delay medical care in COVID-19 pandemic

Patients need clear, consistent information about COVID-19 safety measures before going to hospital and GP appointments, according to a public survey…

Weekly news round up – 16 September 2020

Healthwatch reveals public concerns during COVID-19The latest briefing from Healthwatch looks at the key issues the public have faced during the COVID-19…

Reimagining Help – supporting people with long term health conditions

PIF members The British Heart Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support have teamed up with Nesta to publish Reimagining Help: an evidence-based approach…

Weekly news round up – 9 September 2020

Putting Patients First WeekThe Medical Technology Group (MTG) is launching a new patient-focused campaign – Putting Patients First Week.The virtual activity…

National Voices launches social prescribing report

A new report by PIF member National Voices explores the experience of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in social prescribing.Rolling…

Weekly news round up – 2 September 2020

Study: How the scale of graphs affects understandingA new study has discovered 'remarkable' findings about how the scale of graphs affects public policy…

National Voices to launch new report on social prescribing

PIF member National Voices will present the findings of its report into how the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector can play a role in social…

Weekly news round up – 26 August 2020

Government creates new National Institute for Health ProtectionA new organisation with a focus on public health protection and infectious disease capability…

Creating accessible and inclusive digital content

PIF member texthelp is hosting a webinar on how to create accessible and inclusive digital content.The webinar, which takes place from 2pm on 17 September,…

Weekly news round up – 19 August 2020

Impact of COVID-19 on Black, Asian and minority ethnic communitiesBlack, Asian and minority ethnic groups are more likely to be exposed to coronavirus…

talkhealth publishes Dry Skin Report 2020

PIF TICK member talkhealth recently conducted its annual Dry Skin survey.The leading online patient community gathered insights from nearly 2,000 talkhealth…

Weekly news round up – 12 August 2020

NICE guidance: Common chronic pain treatmentsA number of commonly used drug treatments for chronic primary pain have 'little or no evidence' that they…

NHS launches Your Covid Recovery website

A new website has been launched to help people recover from the long-term effects of COVID-19.Your Covid Recovery aims to support people to manage their…

Weekly news round up – 5 August 2020

Misinformation in the COVID-19 infodemicA new report calls on the government to make a final decision on the appointment of an independent online harms…

Shift.ms releases Sidecar

Shift.ms has released a new film which aims to tell the stories of people tackling the fear of advanced multiple sclerosis onset and the impact it may…

Weekly news round up – 29 July 2020

Call for Government to produce translated COVID-19 guidanceDoctors of the World UK and more than 20 local authorities, public health bodies and non-profit…

The Dr Will Zoom You Now: getting the most out of the virtual health and care experience

National Voices has published a new insight report presenting key findings from its recent research into people's experiences of remote and virtual consultations…

Weekly news round up – 22 July 2020

The road to renewal: five priorities for health and careThe King's Fund has published a new report identifying priorities for the renewal of the health…

Ethnic minorities and young people less successful in getting NHS dentist appointments

Ethnic minorities and young people are less successful in getting NHS dental appointments according to new figures.The GP Patient Survey, published by…

Weekly news round up – 15 July 2020

Regional coronavirus figures published in interactive dashboardNHS Digital has published an interactive dashboard showing regional coronavirus test results…

We Are Undefeatable launches new campaign and resources

Sport England has launched a new advert and resources as part of its We Are Undefeatable campaign.The advert, which aired for the first time on 7 July,…

Weekly news round up – 8 July 2020

NHS to launch online COVID-19 rehab serviceA new on-demand recovery service is being set up to help people with the long-term effects of coronavirus.Your…

PRSB launches second health and social care survey

The Professional Records Standards Body  has launched a second survey on sharing information between health and social care.The new survey is part…

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 Black, Asian and minority ethnic communitiesPublic Health England has published an in-depth report on the impact…

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: …

Job: Health Information Coordinator, Prostate Cancer UK

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

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

‘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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…