LONDON, UK — FCB Health Europe, an IPG Health company, is the first healthcare agency to be awarded the Patient Information Forum Trusted Information Creator (PIF TICK) accreditation – the UK’s only quality mark for print and online patient health information.
Jonathan Kukathasan, President, IPG Health United Kingdom said: “To provide trustworthy health information is key to everything we do. Eighty per cent of the public would look for a quality mark on health information, according to recent PIF research, and distinguishing reliable information can be difficult. We are delighted to be recognised as a trusted patient information creator for the benefit of our clients, HCPs, patients, and the public, and we’re especially proud to have IPG Health be the first healthcare communications agency group to receive this accreditation.”
Created by non-profit organisation, The Patient Information Forum (PIF), the PIF TICK is the only UK quality mark for trustworthy patient health information. In July 2021, a public website, www.piftick.org.uk, was launched to raise awareness of PIF TICK accredited members and help people find accessible and relevant health information. The site also includes guides on topics, including spotting false health information and understanding evidence.
FCB Health Europe earned the accreditation by successfully demonstrating the fulfillment of 10 key criteria to be a trustworthy health information provider for patients.
Among the criteria are: Implementation of a consistent and documented process; trained, supported staff; the identification of consumer needs; reliable, up-to-date evidence; patient involvement; plain English language; ease of use and navigation; option for user feedback; signposting of information to those who need it; and impact measurement.
PIF TICK manager Dan Wills said: “We are thrilled to welcome FCB Health Europe as the first healthcare communications agency group to our ever-growing community of accredited PIF TICK members. Accurate, accessible, evidence-based information is key to increasing patient empowerment and improving health outcomes.”
FCB Health Europe joins more than 85 organisations signed up for the PIF TICK accreditation, including Public Health England, NHS Trusts such as Guys and St Thomas’ and The Patients Association.
“When communicating health information to patients and the public, aligning this to appropriate health literacy levels and involving them in the process is key to increasing their understanding of their condition and engaging them in self-management. Ensuring clear standards are met is more important than ever, especially in healthcare communications,” said Linda Cowie, VP, Head of Behavioral Science, FCB Health Europe.
“The PIF TICK accreditation guides information developers through a robust process that assures high-quality health information patients and the public can rely on,” adds Cathryn Tune, SVP, Medical Director, FCB Health UK.
