Hi Quality from CHIQ

The Centre for Health Information Quality (CHiQ) say that good quality evidence-based patient information comprises three key elements; thus CHiQ is working to support the development of information for patients which is clearly communicated; is evidence based; and involves the patient. CHiQ web pages state that it is working with all sectors of the health information community to provide an enquiry service and access to a wide range of up-to-date resources. They also provide a free quarterly newsletter, Hi Quality Matters.

Services from ChiQ include:

• PIPER, Patient Information Projects Exchange Register
  A register to enable developers of patient information to share, and benefit, from the experiences of others
• CHILI, Consumer Health Information LIterature
  A database containing details of literature on developing good quality evidence based patient information
• QUIP, QUality Information for Patients
    A database containing details of print and non-print materials tested by the Centre using a range of quality tools. This is under development and not yet available.
• Quarterly Newsletter: Hi Quality Matters
  Up-to-date information on recent developments in patient information provision, and a forum for the exchange of ideas and knowledge
• Topic Bulletins
  Produced quarterly, each bulletin will target a particular area of interest such as strategies for locating the evidence base and good practice in consumer involvement
• Report Series
  Occasional report series on the activities and experiences of the Centre, providing guidance on the production of good quality evidence based patient information
• Mailbase Discussion List
  In association with the University of Southampton, the Centre has established a discussion list to stimulate debate amongst those involved in developing or evaluating consumer health information

Readers from the health sector who are concerned with quality issues would do well to take a look at the CHiQ Web Site. Their contact details are:
The Centre for Health Information Quality
Highcroft
Romsey Road
Winchester SO22 5DH

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