Information ‘seal of approval’ by summer 2009
pharmafile | November 13, 2008 | News story | Medical Communications |Â Â patientsÂ
The UK wants to improve access to information on health and social care by launching a new 'seal of approval' for public and patient communications.
The move is intended to give patients and the public more power in relation to choices in health and social care, and is expected to see an increase in the amount of good quality information.
The pharmaceutical industry is expected to be able to use the system like other providers, but will still not be allowed to promote its medicines to the public.
The scheme will be launched in summer 2009, but further details about how it will work are yet to be finalised.
One important question relates to information which fails to reach the required standard – and whether the adjudicating body would have the power to block it or insist on changes.
The Department of Health is now seeking bids from private companies who could assess information and award the seal of approval.
The government says it wants the scheme to have a 'broad impact', with the quality mark to feature on information in any format – from websites to pamphlets.
Health minister Ann Keen said: "Ensuring patients have access to reliable information is paramount in maintaining patient choice and quality of care.
"This scheme and the quality mark will help reassure people that health information available to them is trustworthy."
The scheme is in line with Lord Darzi's Next Stage Review, which included the aim of empowering patients with "greater choice, better information, and more control and influence".
Once the contractor has been chosen, it will work with the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to provide a robust and credible scheme.
"Our position as the government-recognised UK accreditation body enables us to contribute a wealth of expertise to deliver a robust scheme that helps provide reassurance to the public."
The value of the contract is estimated to be between £3 million and £6.5 million, covering an initial period of three years, with the potential for a two-year extension.
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