LEADING sight loss charity the Macular Society has joined an elite band of organisations by receiving accreditation from the Patient Information Forum (PIF) for the high standard of its patient literature.
The Society has been awarded a PIF TICK (Trusted Information Creator), the new UK quality mark for health information, which launched earlier this year to replace the Information Standard.
By achieving the quality standard, the Society can now show the PIF TICK quality mark on all of its patient resources including leaflets, its website, and any other health information which has been certified by the PIF, independently verifying that it meets the highest standards.
To achieve the accreditation, the Society had to demonstrate that all of its patient information is produced in line with 10 criteria outlined by the PIF. This includes showing that all of the resources are created using a consistent and documented process; are based on reliable and up-to-date information; have received input from patients, and meet identifiable consumer needs.
PIF is the UK membership organisation and network for people working in health information and support. It is the independent voice of UK health information. It represents more than 300 organisations across the NHS, voluntary, academic, freelance and commercial sectors. Its expert guidance on the production of high-quality health information supports an improved healthcare experience for patients and the public.
Other organisations already accredited to the PIF TICK scheme include household names such as Cancer Research UK, BUPA and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Kevin Franklin, Macular Society Advice and Information Service Manager, said:
“Right now, so much information is available about so many subjects, particularly online. So a nationally-recognised accreditation for the quality of the information we provide around macular disease means that anyone using these services can be assured of their reliability and trustworthiness.
“Showing the PIF TICK on all of our patient information not only gives reassurance to the people who need our support, but it will also help immensely with the wide range of fundraising activities we undertake. It will be hugely beneficial when applying for grant funding from charitable trusts and other philanthropic organisations, as it demonstrates that we are committed to delivering the highest possible standards for patients.”
Sue Farrington, chair of PIF and chief executive of Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK, said:
“Supporting and driving up quality and trust in health information has always been at the heart of PIF.
“It has never been more important to signpost the public to trustworthy health information than in the current crisis.”
