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 scheme was launched in May and now has more than 50 founding members.  

Marie Curie joins other big names in membership including Macmillan, Cancer Research UK, Bupa, the Royal College of Anaesthetists and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust. 

Each has tested their information production process against 10 robust criteria.

Ruth Renfrew, Information and Support Content Manager at Marie Curie, said: “At Marie Curie we are very excited to start our process to achieve the PIF TICK as it demonstrates our commitment to creating trusted, useful, evidence-based information to support people affected by terminal illness how and when they need it. 

"Being part of the PIF network allows us to keep improving our information and share best practice with others.”

100% would recommend

PIF TICK quality manager Dan Wills said: “Organisations joining the scheme are assessed against the criteria and receive an action plan for implementation before being able to display the PIF TICK logo on their print and digital material. 

"The flexible scheme is designed to meet the needs of all large and small organisations in all sectors. It was launched after a successful pilot.”

Evaluation of the scheme with members six months after launch found:

  • 100% would recommend the PIF TICK to other organisations
  • 100% said the process had helped them maintain or improve their internal information production
  • 100% said they would not change any part of the assessment process
  • Members described the process as ‘supportive’, ‘informative’ and ‘robust’

Reaching 50 members is a key milestone for the scheme.  

In 2021, PIF is planning a public awareness campaign so people know they can trust information that carries the PIF TICK.  

PIF TICK

The PIF TICK criteria are:

  • Information is created using a consistent and documented process
  • Staff are trained and supported to produce high-quality information
  • Information meets an identified consumer need
  • Information is based on reliable, up-to-date evidence
  • Patients are involved in the development of health information
  • Information is written in plain English
  • Print and digital information is easy to use and navigate
  • Users can give feedback on information
  • Information is promoted to make sure it reaches those who need it
  • The impact of information is measured

A full list of members and more information can be found on the PIF TICK page.