PIF's Impact: Raising the profile of trusted health information

The Patient Information Forum (PIF) is the independent membership body for people working in health information and support. We set standards for health information and campaign for health information access for all.

PIF promotes access to trusted health information for patients, carers, the public and healthcare professionals. We set standards via the PIF TICK certification scheme and advocate for a public right to inclusive and accessible health and support information. We urge NHS organisations to integrate health information on care pathways. Access to the right health information at the right time empowers people. It supports shared decision-making and self-management and improves health outcomes.

Tackling misinformation

We are actively working to fight misinformation. A dedicated PIF TICK website and directory promotes the PIF TICK and trusted information producers to healthcare professionals and the public. Certified producers display the PIF TICK on their information. The need for these resources is clear. Two in 3 people say independent verification of health information is needed to distinguish between credible sources and misinformation. Public recognition of the PIF TICK is growing. In 2024, research by IPSOS found 1 in 10 young people were aware of the PIF TICK. The PIF TICK has been endorsed by national and international bodies.

Our impact on health information in 2023

208

Trainees on PIF courses

110

Certified PIF TICK members

134

Health and digital literacy charter signatures

2,822

Total members

Guidance and poster reviews

1,312

Webinar sign ups

Setting standards for patient information

PIF sets standards for quality health information and certifies Trusted Information Creators. The PIF TICK is the only independently-assessed quality mark for print and digital health information.

A dark blue background with lighter blue squares. In the centre is a shot of the Health Literacy Matters poster.

Health and digital literacy

PIF believes everyone should have access to health information they can understand and use. We campaign for health literacy at a policy level, encourage organisations to be health and digital literacy friendly and issue guidance on core topics.

A dark blue background with lighter paths going in four directions across it. There are people on two of the paths and a signpost on the third. In the centre is a tablet showing the cover of the Perfect Patient Information Journey Phase 3 report.

Policies and campaigns

PIF campaigns for quality health information and support to be an integral part of the patient journey. We advocate for health information to be available to all, meeting health and digital literacy, accessibility and cultural needs.

A dark blue background with lighter blue squares. In the centre is the cover of the Co-production guide.

Providing a knowledge base

PIF enhances the expertise of people working in the field of health information. Our CPD-accredited training, hot topic webinar series and professional guidance support achievement of PIF TICK certification and wider industry expertise.

A photograph of three women sitting around a table talking.

Working with the PIF membership

PIF is the independent voice of cross-sector information producers and providers of all types and sizes. By facilitating the sharing of expertise and experience among our members we are helping to further raise standards in health information.

PIF TICK Certification

PIF TICK certification shows your information is produced to the highest possible standards, increasing public trust. Going through PIF TICK certification also improves and streamlines your production process.