Patient‑Initiated Follow‑Up (PIFU)
PIFU is a flexible way to manage follow-up appointments. Instead of having your follow‑up appointments booked for you, you contact the service when you feel you need to be seen.
A Clinician will usually offer PIFU for ongoing or long‑term conditions that don’t need frequent check‑ups. They’ll only offer it if it’s safe and appropriate for your care.
PIFU focuses on your needs rather than routine appointments. It helps you:
- receive care at the right time
- reduce unnecessary hospital visits
- avoid appointments you may not need
- take more control over managing your condition
- get quicker access to clinical advice when you need it
Your PIFU plan
If your clinician offers you a PIFU Plan, they will give you:
- information about your condition
- symptoms to look out for
You’ll stay on your Plan for a set period. You won’t receive scheduled follow-up appointments, but you can request one if you need to.
Your clinical team will explain how long the plan will last for and how to arrange an appointment during that time. They’ll give contact details for your service, so you know how and when to get in touch by phone, email or both.
When your plan ends, your clinician will explain what happens next. They may discharge you back to your GP unless they feel you need another review.
Requesting an appointment
Contact the service if:
- your symptoms change, return or get worse
- you feel worried about your condition or treatment
- your clinician has advised you to get in touch in certain situations
- you need clinical advice or reassurance
When you contact the service, explain your symptoms, any changes, and any concerns you have.
If you’re unsure whether to get in touch, you can ask for guidance, the team will be happy to help.
When to get urgent help
Patient Initiated Follow Up is for non urgent care.
If you need urgent medical help, call 999 immediately.
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