Raising Standards
The Patient Information Forum is committed to helping organisations and individuals to create high quality, relevant, evidence-based and accessible information for patients and the public. We work to raise standards in a number of ways:
Membership services
PiF produces guides and publications to help information producers develop their skills and expertise, and to help the wider health community understand what high quality information looks like and how to create, distribute and evaluate it effectively. We run an annual conference which looks at key topics and current issues in health information and which brings together experts in their field to share expertise and knowledge. We hold regional events to enable information staff to network and share good practice and workshops which focus on specific topics. Our weekly email newsletter keeps members abreast of news, research and policy and our web site brings together key resources, articles and tools.
Partnership working
PiF has been working closely with the BMA during 2010/2011 to review and develop their annual Patient Information Awards, developing judging criteria and guidelines, a robust reviewing process and ensuring that the awards set the standard for high quality information resources. The awards encourage the production and dissemination of accessible, well-designed and clinically balanced patient information. Sarah Smith, PiF's Operations Director is a BMA Awards judge.
Mark Duman, PiF Chair, is a judge at the BMJ Group Improving Health Awards 2012 for the Health Communication Campaign of the Year category.
PiF also has an ongoing relationship with the Information Standard, with one of PiF Directors sitting on the Scheme's Engagement Board. The Information Standard scheme was developed by the Department of Health to help the public identify trustworthy health and social care information easily. At the heart of the scheme is the standard itself – a set of criteria that defines good quality health or social care information and the methods needed to produce it.
What are the quality standards for consumer health information?
There are many different sets of standards and quality criteria for assessing health information, (see PiF’s Guide to Appraising Health Information for more detail) but PIF supports the following list compiled by Dr Angela Coulter as a minimum:
1. Clear purpose
The information clearly explains its aims and purpose.
2. Relevant
The material meets a clearly defined need and has been tested with representatives of the target audience. Where possible, links to sources of further information and support are provided.
3. Evidence based
The information is consistent with up-to-date clinical evidence, medical and social research; personal opinion is clearly distinguished from evidence-based information.
4. Authoritative
Sources of evidence are clearly indicated; names and credentials of authors, funders and sponsors are clearly stated; any conflict of interest is disclosed; any advertising is clearly identified.
5. Complete
Where relevant, all alternative treatment, management or care options are clearly stated and all possible outcomes are clearly presented.
6. Secure
Where users’ personal details are requested, there is a clear policy for safeguarding privacy and confidentiality.
7. Accurate
The product has been checked for accuracy; in the case of user-generated content there is a clear procedure for moderation.
8. Well designed
The layout is clear and easy to read; if necessary, the product contains specific navigation aids such as content lists, indexing and search facilities.
9. Readable
The language is clear, where possible conforming to recognised plain language standards and available in minority languages where relevant.
10. Up to date
The date of issue or latest update is clearly indicated along with the planned review date.
Reproduced by kind permission of Dr Angela Coulter, Director of Global Initiatives at the Foundation for Informed Medical Decision Making.
Page last edited: 29 November 2011
