IPG Health Network is a collective of over 45 health marketing agencies and 5,000 health communication professionals. FCB Health Europe, part of IPG Health Network, is a group of comms agencies focused on creating marketing solutions for consumers, patients, and healthcare professionals.

FCB Health Europe wanted to join more than 85 organisations holding a PIF TICK accreditation, including Public Health England, NHS Trusts such as Guys and St Thomas’ and The Patients Association.

Jonathan Kukathasan, president of IPG Health UK, says, “To provide trustworthy health information is key to everything we do. Eighty per cent of the public would look for a quality mark on health information, according to recent PIF research, and distinguishing reliable information can be difficult."

The Patient Information Forum Trusted Information Creator accreditation (PIF TICK) is the only UK quality mark for trustworthy patient health information. The PIF TICK website aims to help people to find trusted, accessible and relevant health information.

FCB Health Europe earned the accreditation by fulfilling ten key criteria proving itself to be a trustworthy health information provider to patients. This includes the implementation of a consistent and documented process, trained and supported staff, the identification of consumer needs, and sing-posting of information to those who need it.

“When communicating health information to patients and the public, aligning this to appropriate health literacy levels and involving them in the process is key to increasing their understanding of their condition and engaging them in self-management. Ensuring clear standards are met is more important than ever, especially in healthcare communications,” adds Linda Cowie, VP and head of behavioral science at FCB Health Europe.