Gastroenterology Patient-initiated follow-up appointments
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What is a patient-initiated follow-up appointment?
A patient initiated follow up (PIFU for short) allows you to arrange follow up appointments as and when you need them.
This puts you in control of your hospital follow up and enables us to create capacity for direct access to guidance when you most need it.
Most patients with stable long-term conditions do not require regular follow up by the hospital team. Research has shown that the PIFU approach to care is not detrimental to your clinical care.
How do I book a patient initiated follow up appointment?
The service is quick and easy to use. If you feel you need to be seen, call the number on this leaflet and explain to the team that you are on the PIFU pathway and you need to be seen. The team will agree a suitable appointment date and time for you to have a consultation with a member of the Gastroenterology Team. If you have not heard back within a week, please call again for an update. Please note that the operator cannot give any clinical advice.
When should I call for a PIFU?
You should call the PIFU appointment bookings if you feel your medication is no longer managing your condition and have tried all the remedies found on our website. Please call and book an appointment to see a member of the Gastroenterology Team if you experience any of the follow symptoms associated with the below conditions:
- Dysphagia
- Dyspepsia
- IBS
Will you still be looking after me if I do not call for a PIFU?
After two years if you have not contacted MKUH for an appointment one of our consultants will undertake a clinical review of your pathway. They will either invite you for a telephone follow up or discharge you from the Gastroenterology Service via a letter to you and your GP.
What if I am worried and change my mind about this style of management?
If you feel you wish to revert to regular hospital appointments, please get in contact with the PIFU appointment bookings and we will arrange this for you. We understand that patients may have concerns about not having regular contact with the hospital.
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback both negative and positive; we may be in contact in the future to gain feedback on your experience using this service.
Patient information leaflets
You can access leaflets on gastroenterology in our Virtual Library here.
Contact Details
- PIFU appointment bookings (Central Booking Office): 01908 997050
- Gastroenterology Patient Pathway Coordinators: [email protected]