Together for Short Lives, the UK children’s palliative care charity, has been awarded the PIF TICK – the UK’s only quality mark for print and online health information.
To become a ‘trusted information creator’, Together for Short Lives had to undergo an assessment showing it met 10 key criteria when producing publications for families with seriously ill children, and the professionals that care for them.
This means that families and professionals working in children’s palliative care can be assured that what they are reading, watching or listening to is evidence-based, understandable, jargon-free, up-to-date and produced to the best possible standard. Information for families and professionals can be downloaded or read online.
Dr Helena Dunbar, Director of Service Development and Improvement said: “Gaining the PIF TICK shows we have a strong process for developing our information resources. Families caring for a seriously ill child are often faced with a wealth of information online, and with very limited time to pick out what’s truly reliable and trustworthy. This quality mark is a quick and easy way for both families and professionals to be assured our information can be relied upon.”
The PIF TICK, which launched in May 2020 is run by the non-profit Patient Information Forum (PIF).
In July 2021, a public website, www.piftick.org.uk, was launched to raise awareness of PIF TICK accredited members and help people find trusted health information.
The site also includes guides on topics including spotting false health information and understanding evidence.
PIF TICK manager Dan Wills said: “We are thrilled to welcome Together for Short Lives 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.”
