Editorial Policy

Before we start writing, we make sure we get to grips with the topic at hand. And that involves finding out what’s accurate and what’s relevant.

To find out what’s relevant, we use tools to check what you’re searching for and the questions you’re asking. We use this data to inform our topics and the things we want to cover in the content.

And once that’s decided, we set about answering those questions by reading information from a range of sources, to get a well-rounded and balanced understanding of the science. Some example of sources we use to inform our content include:

• Academic journals;
• Public and governmental bodies, such as the NHS;
• the emc (electronic medicines compendium);
• NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence);
• MHRA (the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency); or:
• the BNF (the British National Formulary).

We write all our content ourselves, in house. And while we may sometimes use large language models or other generative AI for ideas and support, all the content you read from us is written by us (actual humans).

And if we ever do use anything on our site generated by AI, we’ll add a disclaimer to let you know.

Once it’s all put to paper, our content is then passed through two sets of eyes to make sure it’s relevant, understandable and accurate. First, by another member of the content team, then by one of our clinicians (either a doctor or pharmacist).

For transparency, we’ll always tell you which clinician reviewed it, and when. We’ll also add a link to their bio with their credentials and professional registration number.

Once the content has been signed off by both the clinical and content team, we’ll share it with you.

But because we’re learning new things about health and medicine all the time, what’s correct today might turn out to be a bit different tomorrow. And when that happens, we’ll revise and edit our content with the most up-to-date information possible.

As well as this, we’ll routinely review our content every three years to make sure it’s still relevant and accurate, and provide a date stamp telling you the last time it was checked.

We use a wide range of resources to gather the information we share with you. And any time we make a claim about how something works, or provide you with any data or statistics, we’ll share our source with you.

To qualify as a trusted source for our content, it generally needs to pass a few tests:

We’ll only use information that’s come from well-regulated, reputable sources. So, in practice:

• peer-reviewed academic research papers and studies;
• official medicinal or healthcare bodies, such as NICE, emc, and MHRA; and:
• governmental bodies, such as the NHS

We’ll always try to use studies with enough participants in order to give the findings a certain level of legitimacy. However this isn’t always possible, especially with niche areas of study. So while we’ll always use data taken from pools of 100 or more when we can, we’ll always let you know when the sample size was smaller than 100 if we weren’t able to find anything bigger.

Because our understanding of health, medicine and science is changing all the time, consensus put forward in decades past isn’t necessarily going to be accurate now – even if it was published by a reputable source.

That’s why we’ll always try and use the most up-to-date information where possible, to make sure that what we’re saying is still true.

Occasionally we’ll gather data using our own research. Whenever we do this, it’ll be done in consultation with a clinician throughout to make sure that the methodology, hypothesis and conclusion is sound and reliable.

And afterwards, we’ll present it as clearly and transparently as possible.

We’ll let you know:

• how the data was collected and (broadly) who from;
• what methods we used; and:
• how it was verified (where applicable).

Any time we collect data from people, we’ll do so anonymously. We won’t share any information that can be used to identify specific individuals at any time, unless we’re doing a targeted and specific campaign with a specific person or persons (such as a public figure or athlete). In which case, we’ll only share information with their consent.

We’re not affiliated with any specific brands or companies. When we present information to you or recommend products or services, this is done without any external or vested interest.

Our goal is to provide a service that benefits you, the patient, first and foremost. So any time we provide advice or recommendations it’s done with you in mind, with genuine and unbiased intention.

So while we may sometimes provide info on the services available from external organisations, such as public health bodies or charities, we won’t endorse any commercial services apart from ourselves or any partners we’re working with.

When we provide information about the cost and effectiveness of different treatment options, it’ll be done so as transparently as possible. And we’ll always share our sources with you so you can verify for yourself.

Focused offers a service, so we’ll often promote our own brand via social media and on our site. When we do this, we may indirectly promote the use of partner brands or vendors to advertise our own service. But we’ll always tell you if we have a relationship with them.

We take privacy seriously. So when we publish content, we won’t disclose any confidential, personal or direct information about any individual or organisation within it. Whether that’s in communications, comments or quotes.

Whenever we do disclose such information, it’ll only be done with the express consent of the respective party.

We’re committed to making sure our content is accurate, helpful and reliable. But healthcare is complicated, and so are people. So while our content is designed to reflect the broad consensus on the topics we cover, it doesn’t constitute health advice for any one individual.

In other words, if you want to know what’s best for your health needs, speak to a doctor (don’t just take our word for it).

We write for you. So if you’ve got any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it.

Whether it’s specific topics you’d like us to cover, or any info you think we’ve overlooked or misrepresented, we value what you think and what you have to say.

And if it’s positive feedback, we’d be happy to hear about that too.

So please reach out to us by phone, email or social media if you want to get in touch.