Patient Initiated Follow Up Appointments (PIFU)
What is ‘patient initiated follow up’?
You may see this referred to as ‘PIFU’. Patient initiated follow up puts you in control.
Research has shown that having a regular outpatient follow up does not help to prevent your condition returning or identify new problems. In fact, many people find that follow up visits to the hospital cause a lot of unnecessary anxiety.
The majority of patients with long term conditions, or following a hospital treatment, do not require regular follow up by the hospital team.
The ‘guide card’ will help you decide when you should get in touch with us. The card has been designed to fit into your purse or wallet so that you can conveniently refer to it.
Some patients express concern about losing regular contact with the hospital.
Everyone has different feelings when they no longer need to be seen regularly by their medical team.
Check your guide card. It has been specifically designed for you so that you know when your symptoms indicate a “flare up” of your condition, and when you should arrange an appointment with us.
Patient initiated follow up will provide you with direct access to guidance when you most need it.
For all other concerns, or if you are feeling unwell, your GP remains your first point of contact.
How do I book a patient initiated follow up appointment?
The service is quick and easy to use.
Just call the number on your guide card.
We will arrange a time for a nurse to telephone you, or we will arrange an appointment for you. Please note that the operator cannot give any clinical advice.
Please remember, it’s important that you are available for your appointment. If you find you are unable to attend, please tell us in advance so we can try to give your appointment to someone else. Failure to do so may lead to you being referred back to your GP.
Date of Publication: 14/04/2021
Reference number: lc00010970/PIL049
Review Date: 01/04/2024