Infectious Diseases Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU)

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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 (01908 997050) 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 your designated Consultant in the Infectious Diseases 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?
This would vary depending on the condition you have. You should call the PIFU appointment bookings if you feel your condition has flared up and/or medication ( if you are on medication ) is no longer managing your condition and/or have tried all the remedies previously discussed with your doctor. Please call and book an appointment to see your Consultant if you experience symptoms that are linked to your condition that you are concerned about. You will be offered an appointment within four weeks of contact. Please note with certain flare ups you may need to attend A&E or see your GP for immediate management while waiting to be seen by your Consultant.

Will you still be looking after me if I do not call for a PIFU?
If you do not call for a PIFU, at the end of two years, a case note review will be done by your consultant. They will either invite you for a follow up appointment if needed or discharge you from the Infectious Diseases 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.

Contact Details
PIFU appointment bookings (Central Booking Office): 01908 997050.