Patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU)

If you have recently received hospital treatment, you may need a follow-up appointment to check on your progress. If you have a chronic (life-long) condition, you may need regular follow-ups with your hospital team.

Our patient-initiated follow-up pathway - PIFU - allows you to manage your own follow-up appointments. It gives you access to contact your clinical team and request an appointment only if you need it, for example, if your symptoms worsen, flare up or change.

This means you do not need to attend a routine hospital appointment that you do not need, for example, every six months. For people with chronic conditions, PIFU may mean less frequent follow-up appointments and direct access to our clinics in between, if you need it.

How does PIFU work?

Your clinician may recommend the PIFU pathway if it is safe for you to manage your own follow-up appointments. Once you and your clinician agree you should go onto a PIFU pathway then your clinician will include this in your clinic outpatient letter. You should contact us to arrange an appointment if you experience any change in your symptoms.

If you need to have an appointment with the clinical team, this will be scheduled based upon clinical need and appointment availability.

How do I book a follow-up appointment?

The clinician will give you a telephone number and email address to use and this information is also included in your outpatient appointment letter or discharge summary letter.

When you contact us, you will need to provide your:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• NHS/hospital number (please see your appointment letter).
• The clinic or service you need to book the appointment with.

Appointments cannot be made in person. Please use the telephone and email address provided

Our admin team will book an appointment for you and send you text reminders beforehand.

If you find you cannot attend your appointment, please tell us in advance, so we can give it to someone else who needs it.

What if I cannot get through to you to make an appointment?

The telephone number we provide should have an answerphone to leave a message. Alternatively, you can;

• Email the contact email that has been provided for you.
• Send a message on My Medical Record if you have the facility to do so.

When not to use PIFU

If you experience any symptoms not listed in your letter or need urgent medical advice you should contact your GP or phone 111.

How long does PIFU last?

Your PIFU pathway will last for a specific amount of time. Your hospital care team will talk to you about how long you may need to keep your pathway open depending on your condition and their judgement of how long you may need before you can be discharged back to your GP if this is appropriate.