What is Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU)?
Further to your recent consultation or treatment, the clinician has placed you on a Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU) pathway.
PIFU puts you in control of making an appointment to see the consultant or healthcare team when you need it the most. This will be if you have a 'flare up', your symptoms relating to your condition worsen or if you feel that you are not recovering well.
Attending regular outpatient appointments arranged by the hospital does not prevent your condition or symptoms returning or your recovery period shortening. In fact, many people find that routine follow up visits to the hospital cause unnecessary stress and anxiety.
You or your carer can make an appointment to see us if you have any concerns related to your specific condition or symptoms within an agreed timeframe. This prevents you having regular review appointments when you do not want or need them. Instead you can contact us and we will arrange for an appointment to be made when you need one. This appointment will be via telephone, video or face to face.
How does it work?
You will be advised by the healthcare team if you are suitable to have your follow up appointments as patient initiated. The consultant or nurse will discuss with you the signs or symptoms that warrant a review appointment being made. These symptoms are written below in your personal PIFU plan or written in a letter from the consultant.
Your PIFU will be active for a period of between 3 months and 1 year; the period needed will be discussed with you.
Please discuss any concerns you may have regarding the decision to offer you a PIFU with the hospital team.
