How we produce our information

We follow strict processes to make sure our information is based on up-to-date evidence and is easy to understand.

To be awarded the PIF TICK means we must meet 10 key steps:

1. Our information is created using a consistent and documented process.
2. Our staff are trained and supported to produce high-quality information.
3. Our information meets an identified consumer need.
4. Our information is based on reliable, up-to-date evidence.
5. People living with Crohn's or Colitis are involved in the development of health information, through our Information Feedback Volunteers.
6. Our information is written in plain English.
7. Our print and digital information is easy to use and navigate.
8. Users can give feedback on information.
9. Our information is promoted to make sure it reaches those who need it.
10. The impact of information is measured.

To find out more, visit the PIF TICK website.

We want to make sure that everyone has access to the information they need. Find out more about our website and accessibility tools available in our information on website accessibility.

If you need our information in large print format, please email us at helpline@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk

We hope you find our information helpful. Please email us at evidence@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk if:

• You have any comments or suggestions for improvements
• You would like more information about the sources of evidence we use
• You would like details of any conflicts of interest

You can also write to us at Crohn’s & Colitis UK, 1 Bishop Square, Hatfield, AL10 9NE, or contact us through our Helpline: 0300 222 5700.

Our information is protected by copyright. If you are a healthcare professional, you are welcome to share our information with your patients. If you wish to adapt our information or put it on the internet, please contact us for written permission.

Reviewing our information

We aim to review our information every three years. A review date is available on the top left-hand side of each of our information resource web pages. This states when the resource was last reviewed. Our review processes include collecting feedback from one or more medical professionals.

Occasionally, we may need to make small adjustments, such as correcting spelling mistakes or amending a link within the resource. In these situations, our review date will not be updated.

We sometimes need to make bigger changes to a resource. Unless the information is fully reviewed, the corrected version is issued as an ‘amended version’ and reflected in the 'last updated' date. Amendment dates can also be found at the end of each downloadable PDF.

AI usage

Crohn’s & Colitis UK’s Knowledge and Information service use artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted tools to help simplify language, and improve readability and referencing. These are specific editorial tools: Grammarly to check spelling and grammar, and Mendeley Cite to help organise our research references. We occasionally use Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT to find alternative phrasing for a sentence or title. However, we do not use large language model AIs to generate full health information resources or summaries.

We do not use AI to automatically translate materials. When creating our translated PDFs, we have previously used professional translators who also provided quality assurance services. Crohn’s & Colitis UK may revisit the option of using automatic translation for information resources or our website in the future, taking into account both the risks and benefits of using the AI.

Our Knowledge and Information team does not publish AI-generated content or evidence. To check the content of all our resources for accuracy in general, our review system includes members of the public and healthcare professionals who volunteer to review content, as well as internal peer and manager review.

After reviewing the risks and benefits of using each AI, these four AI programmes have been approved for the specific uses listed above:

• Microsoft Copilot
• ChatGPT
• Grammarly
• Mendeley Cite

No private, sensitive or confidential information is to be uploaded to AI for review. This includes supporter data such as names and contact details, and the health data of our community. Staff must ensure their personal information is secure, and AI used in line with GDPR for data privacy and security.

Generative AI will not be used to produce health information or review research, without humans thoroughly checking all statements and sources. AI biases and references will be kept in mind when reviewing. Human checks of reference sections are required before sign-off and publication of information.

We will not change how we use AI in our information production without updating this statement first.