FCB Health Europe Earns Exclusive UK ‘Trusted Information Creator’ Accreditation

FCB Health Europe becomes the first healthcare agency group to gain PIF TICK accreditation

FCB Health Europe, an IPG Health company, has been awarded the Patient Information Forum Trusted Information Creator (PIF TICK) accreditation – the United Kingdom’s only quality mark for print and online patient health information. 

Jonathan Kukathasan, President, IPG Health United Kingdom said: “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. We are delighted to be recognised as a trusted patient information creator for the benefit of our clients, HCPs, patients and the public, and we’re especially proud to have IPG Health be the first healthcare communications agency group to receive this accreditation.”

Created by non-profit organisation, The Patient Information Forum (PIF), the PIF TICK is the only UK quality mark for trustworthy patient health information. In July 2021, a public website, www.piftick.org.uk, was launched to raise awareness of PIF TICK accredited members and help people find accessible and relevant health information. The site also includes guides on topics, including spotting false health information and understanding evidence.

FCB Health Europe earned the accreditation by successfully demonstrating the fulfillment of 10 key criteria to be a trustworthy health information provider for patients. 

Among the criteria are: Implementation of a consistent and documented process; trained, supported staff; the identification of consumer needs; reliable, up-to-date evidence; patient involvement; plain English language; ease of use and navigation; option for user feedback; signposting of information to those who need it; and impact measurement. 

PIF TICK manager Dan Wills said: “We are thrilled to welcome FCB Health Europe as the first healthcare communications agency group to our ever-growing community of accredited PIF TICK members. Accurate, accessible, evidence-based information is key to increasing patient empowerment and improving health outcomes.”

To date, more than 85 organisations have signed up for the PIF TICK accreditation, including Public Health England, NHS Trusts such as Guys and St Thomas’, The Patients Association and MSD who were the first pharmaceutical company to be accredited. FCB Health Europe quickly followed MSD to become the first healthcare communications agency group to be awarded the accreditation. 

“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,” said Linda Cowie, VP, Head of Behavioral Science, FCB Health Europe.

“The PIF TICK accreditation guides information developers through a robust process that assures high-quality health information patients and the public can rely on,” adds Cathryn Tune, SVP, Medical Director, FCB Health UK. 

About FCB Health Europe

Part of the IPG Health network, FCB Health Europe is a group of award-winning creative advertising agencies focused on creating game-changing marketing solutions for consumers, patients and healthcare professionals. With more than 200 experts covering a wide range of health and wellness practices, we seamlessly connect and assemble bespoke teams to help our clients meet the challenges of today and the future. 

Our clients include the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies as well as countless startups, biotech companies, biopharma companies and a variety of life science companies. We provide a vast offering of multi-channel capabilities that include DTC and HCP communications, professional training and education, branding, scientific services, strategic planning, media services and more.

FCB Health Europe has offices in Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Madrid, London and Hampshire and works with offices in Paris, Milan, Istanbul, Belgrade, Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Zurich. To learn more, visit: www.fcbhealtheurope.com