Photo from a PIF networking event. PIF quality manager Dan Wills is at the right of the image talking to a table of members.

Our Story

Improving access to high-quality healthcare information was the purpose of the Patient Information Forum (PIF) when it was founded in 1997. That purpose remains the same today.

The Patient Information Forum (PIF) was formed in 1997, under the auspices of The King’s Fund, by a small group of patient information professionals who wanted to support each other and share best practice. 

Today, PIF represents more than 300 organisations and 1,800 individuals. For more than two decades we have provided guidance to raise standards and campaigned to improve access to health information. We have played an essential role in the development of policy and expertise on user involvement, health literacy, shared decision-making, patient experience and reducing health inequalities.

In 2020, in the midst of the first wave of COVID-19, we launched the PIF TICK. The PIF TICK is the only quality mark for print and digital health information. More than 120 organisations and individuals have now been certified as trusted information producers by the scheme. 

The PIF TICK website provides information for the public and healthcare professionals on finding trusted sources of quality health information.

PIF’s structure has evolved overtime. In 2008 PIF was incorporated as a not-for-profit company.  In July 2023 we were awarded charitable status by the Charity Commission.

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The history of PIF – view our timeline

PIF Timeline 2023

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More about us

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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