News & Events > Evaluating the quality of health information

The Patient Experience Network (PEN) has announced national awards for healthcare organisations working to improve patient experience. The award categories are based around core domains of patient centred care and include communicating effectively with patients, access to information and support for care givers. The closing date for entries is 15 October 2010.

Finding and Appraising the Evidence is a freely available online course that will help you to develop the critical appraisal skills you need to help you assess clinical evidence. The modules take you through the process of how to find the evidence and then how to assess the validity and reliability of the published research in order to provide effective and efficient healthcare. Modules include those on randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews and making sense of results.

The Association for Healthcare Communicators and Marketing runs the Communicating Health Awards to recognise excellence in all forms of communication in, and for, the NHS and health and social care throughout the UK. The awards acknowledge good practice, whether it is a campaign, newsletter or strategy. They are open to people working in or for the NHS and other health and social care organisations including agencies and freelancers. There are 10 award categories including communicator of the year and best engagement.

The Bupa Foundation Awards are made annually in recognition of excellence in medical research and healthcare in seven categories, including communication. The Communications Award is run in conjunction with PiF and recognises effective communication between the medical profession and patients. Entries must be able to demonstrate enhanced mutual understanding between patients and healthcare professionals, and should show tangible evidence of improvement in communication. The award is £15,000. Closing date is July 1st.

Nominations for the ninth Health and Social Care Awards "“ to highlight excellence and innovation in health and social care at regional and national levels "“ are now open. This year six categories are focused around the quality and efficiency agenda. National award categories include partnership working, acute and primary care and mental health. The closing date for applications is June 18 2010.