The PIF TICK is the only quality mark for health information. It is run by the Patient Information Forum (PIF) on a non-profit basis. Members of the PIF TICK must show they meet 10 key steps.

Anyone wanting to join the PIF TICK scheme must show they are meeting the 10 key steps. During an annual assessment, members must show they meet these steps for trusted information.

1. Systems:  Information is created using a consistent and documented  process.
2. Training: Staff receive ongoing training and support.
3. Need: Resources meet a genuine need.
4. Evidence: Information is based on reliable, up-to-date evidence which is communicated clearly.
5. Involving users: Users are involved in the development of information.
6. Health inequalities: Information is written to meet health and digital literacy, language and accessibility needs of the target audience.
7. Content and legal: Content is clear, easy to access, and meets local legal requirements.
8. Feedback: There is a clear process for users to provide feedback.
9. Disseminating: Information is promoted to maximise reach.
10.  Impact: The impact of information is measured.

PIF stands for the Patient Information Forum. We are a non-profit membership organisation for people working in health information. Our members include charities, the NHS, freelance health writers and private organisations. We are the independent voice of health information. PIF supports good practice and lobbies on key issues including:

• Health and digital literacy
• Shared decision making
• Involving users

The PIF TICK is open to NHS, charity, voluntary, private sector organisations and individual health content creators creating and publishing health information.

The PIF TICK was started to help you easily recognise trusted health information. Consumer research found 80% of the public would look for a quality mark for health information.

The scheme runs on a not-for-profit basis. It has no central funding.  Membership fees cover costs. These are staged to allow equal access for small charities and large organisations.

First, you should contact the member who produced the information. If you are unhappy with the response, we can help. You can see our full feedback policy here.