Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland retains PIF TICK accreditation to remain a ‘trusted information creator’

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland has been awarded the PIF TICK – the UK’s only assessed quality mark for print and online health and care information – for the third year. 

To become a ‘trusted information creator’, the organisation had to undergo an assessment demonstrating that it met 10 key criteria, including using reliable, up-to-date evidence, meeting a genuine need and involving users throughout the development of its resources.

This means the healthcare information you are reading, watching or listening to is evidence-based, understandable, jargon-free, up –to date and produced to the best possible standard.

Joanne Graham, Director of Service Delivery at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland said: “The PIF TICK gives people reassurance that our health information is reliable, trustworthy and jargon-free.

Being recertified for the PIF TICK shows that we have maintained our strong process for developing health information resources. With so much misinformation and inaccurate health advice online, it can be difficult for people to know where to turn to or who to trust for help. That’s why it has never been more important for people living with our conditions, and their families and carers, to have trustworthy information to help them manage their health.

“All our health information resources undergo a rigorous development and review process so that people who rely on us for help to manage their condition can be confident in the resources they’re using.

“We are also currently the only Scotland specific organisation to be PIF TICK certified. All our information is written in consultation with Scottish healthcare professionals and with our Scotland based communities in mind.”

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.

Whether you’re a professional signposting resources or someone looking for support on chest, heart or stroke conditions or Long Covid – our Health Information is here to help.

Explore our trusted Health Information Resources Hub today.

The Patient Information Forum website, www.piftick.org.uk, also includes a directory of other organisations who are accredited members. No matter what health information you are looking for be sure to check their site for trustworthy and evidence-based sources.

If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and are looking for advice and information, please contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899. You can also text ADVICE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.