Revamped PIF TICK website now live to offer health information you can trust
A new-look website helps people find trusted health information and avoid dangerous misinformation. The revamped PIF TICK website at piftick.org.uk signposts users to more than 145 certified Trusted Information Creators, including national health charities. The upgrade was part-funded by NHS England and the PIF TICK website can be used alongside the NHS website.
Sue Farrington, chief executive of SRUK and chair of the Patient Information Forum, a UK-based charity which runs the PIF TICK scheme, said: “In an era of misinformation it is vitally important we connect people with trustworthy health information and support. The new features on the PIF TICK site will help people find information which meets their needs and helps them manage their health.”
The PIF TICK is the UK's only quality mark for health information. It is used by leading health organisations including Macmillan Cancer Support, Bupa, British Heart Foundation and Asthma and Lung UK to guarantee that health information is evidence based and up-to-date.
The consequences of misinformation
"We are aware of the real dangers of health misinformation. It can have potentially tragic consequences,” says Sophie Randall, director of PIF. “Today’s launch of the updated PIF TICK website, thanks to funding from NHS England, offers a single source of information that is trusted, evidence-based and easy to use and understand."
The relaunched site includes a user-friendly search, a new health topics page and improved accessibility throughout. Users can type health queries into the search function. The tool brings together trusted results and resources from certified organisations, directing users straight to their websites and materials.
Research carried out by PIF and Ipsos last year revealed clear inequalities in access to information:
- 1 in 2 people struggle to find information they can trust
- 8 in 10 want information to help them manage their health
- 1 in 10 adults have been affected by misinformation
- Only 1 in 10 adults with long-term conditions in the UK are signposted to patient organisations, yet these are highly trusted by their users.
The improved PIF TICK website is designed to respond to that need. During its development, co-production sessions were held with both public and health librarians to ensure the site helps everyone access trusted health information.