Patient Initiated follow-up (PIFU) Rheumatology v2

• Author ID:      VA
• Leaflet ref:      PIFU 001
• Version:         2
• Leaflet title:    Patient Initiated Follow Up
• Last review:    April 2024
• Expiry Date:   April 2026

Introduction

Patient-Initiated Follow-Up will put you in control of making an appointment when you need it the most. If your condition is stable, attending regular outpatient appointments at hospital can cause unnecessary anxiety, including time taken to travel, park and wait for the appointment.

Sometimes, regular outpatient appointments may not result in any change to your treatment. In fact, your condition may flare up in between regular booked appointments, and it’s during this time that you really do need our input.

For other concerns and conditions, or if you are feeling unwell, your GP will remain your first point of contact.

How does it work?

You have been put on a Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU) pathway. This means you will not be booked a follow up appointment with your clinician, but you can contact us if you need to. Patient Initiated Follow Up or PIFU is a way of putting you in control of your own care. 

This means that if your condition has flared or you have symptoms related to your condition, you are able to book an appointment directly with us without needing to speak to your GP for a new referral.

If any changes in your home circumstances affect your ability to manage your condition, please do get in touch with us.

When not to use PIFU 

Your PIFU pathway only relates to this specific condition; if you have any concerns relating to other conditions, your GP will remain your first point of contact.

If you require urgent medical advice, you should contact your GP, NHS 111, your local Walk-in centre or, if you are really unwell, your local Emergency Department (A&E).

How long does this pathway last?

You will be told by your clinician how long you will be on a PIFU pathway; this could be from 3 months up to 2 years. 

Once the time period has elapsed, you will be discharged to your GP and we will inform you and your GP of this. If you have any further concerns after this point, it will be necessary to go back to your GP for them to re-refer you. 

Telephone Number

To book a patient-initiated appointment, please contact the appointments team (call centre) directly on 0300 555 4567.

When you telephone the booking team, an appointment will be made for you as soon as possible, usually the next available appointment.

You may also be offered the opportunity to speak with a specialist within the team for initial advice about your condition, for example, a Specialist Nurse.

Can I just turn up at the department?

No. It will not be possible for you to be seen without a prearranged appointment.

Cancelling your appointment

It is important that you keep your appointment.  If you cannot attend your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible, as we may be able to offer the appointment to another patient. To cancel your appointment, please telephone the hospital on 

0300 555 4567, or you can visit our website and use our on-line cancellation form. https://www.wwl.nhs.uk/reschedule-an-appointment

Copy letters to patients 

It is usual after your visit to an outpatient clinic that your Consultant, doctor or specialist nurse will write a letter to your GP to confirm details of your visit, and any recommendations about your treatment and future management. Please let your hospital doctor or Nurse know if you would like to receive a copy of this correspondence or inform the Receptionist so this can be arranged for you.

Interpreter services 

The Trust is able to provide telephone interpreting services and sign language assistance for patients with hearing impairments. The Trust will only use face to face interpreters in exceptional circumstances. Please note that the Trust does not support the use of relatives or friends to provide interpreter services.

Are you an Overseas visitor? 

Hospital treatment is free to people who can demonstrate they have lived in the United Kingdom for the last 12 months.

Chaplaincy & spiritual care 

Sometimes patients and their relatives appreciate someone to support them and to talk to before or after an appointment. Chaplains are there to support people of all faiths and none. If you would like to speak to one of the chaplains, please phone 01942 822324 or ask a member of staff to contact them.