Patient Initiated Follow Up Review (PIFU) Hepatology (Cirrhosis) v1
Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU): Review Pathway Hepatology (Cirrhosis)
Patient Information
Gastroenterology Team
- Author ID: GB
- Leaflet ref: PIFU 006
- Version: 1
- Leaflet title: Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU): Review Pathway Hepatology (Cirrhosis)
- Date Produced: November 2022
- Review Date: November 2024
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) review pathway. This means if you need to be seen before your scheduled appointment, you can contact us to arrange an appointment. 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 up 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 to ask for a new referral.
Symptoms to tell us about?
Although you will be monitored with a regular ultrasound scan of the abdomen +/- blood tests, it is important that you contact us if you experience any of the following symptoms, especially if they last for more than a week:
- Worsening swelling of the legs and/or abdomen, especially if associated with a weight gain of more than 5kg (10 pounds)
- Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes; this may be jaundice
- Confusion – this might vary during the day
- Bruising or bleeding easily
- Trouble getting enough sleep or sleeping too much e.g. sleeping during the day but not at night
- Fresh or altered blood (from the mouth and/or back passage) may be due to bleeding from enlarged veins in the gullet and needs to be assessed in A&E urgently.
If any changes in your home circumstances affect your ability to manage your condition, please do get in touch with us.
Other Useful Information:
You may also find the following information useful:
- The British Liver Trust
- This is as well as any already suggested by the nursing team
When not to use PIFU
Your PIFU pathway only relates to this specific condition. If you have any other questions relating to any other conditions, you should contact your GP.
If you require urgent medical advice, you can contact your GP, NHS 111, attend your local Walk-in centre or, if you are seriously unwell, ring 999.
Telephone Numbers
To book a patient initiated appointment, please contact the appointments team 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.