Gynaecology Patient Initiated Follow-Up appointments
Please note, this page is printable by selecting the normal print options on your computer.
What is a Patient-Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU) 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 appointments by the hospital team. Research has shown that the PIFU approach to care is not detrimental to your clinical care. Your doctor will decide if you are suitable for PIFU during your appointment.
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 (face-to-face, telephone or video) with a member of the Gynaecology Team. If you have not heard back within a week, please call again for an update. Please note that the call operator cannot give any clinical advice.
When should I call for a PIFU?
You should call and book a PIFU appointment if you feel your medication and/or clinical advice/education is no longer managing your condition and you have spoken to/seen your GP.
Will you still be looking after me if I do not call for a PIFU?
After six months 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 Gynaecology 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 team 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.
Contact Details
PIFU appointment bookings (Central Booking Office): 01908 997050