What is ‘patient initiated follow up’ (PIFU)?
After a consultation in the diabetes clinic, patients are normally booked for a follow-up appointment.
Following investigations and treatments, evidence has shown that a lot of these appointments are of limited benefit to patients. These unnecessary follow ups can leave patients feeling frustrated, as it takes time, effort and money to attend a clinic.
To prevent this, your clinician will provide you with all the relevant details of how to manage your care following your consultation. Should you need further information or a review in clinic, then you will be able to make an appointment yourself.
The term used, which allows patients to make this appointment (if needed) is called Patient Initiated Follow-up (PIFU)
FAQs
What if I am concerned about losing regular contact with my clinicians?
Everyone has different feelings when they no longer need to be seen regularly by their medical team. Being on PIFU allows you to contact your clinician and be seen when you have a problem in relation to your diabetes management, without the need for an unnecessary appointment if your condition and management is going well. Your clinician will have advised how long you are on the PIFU for before you will be discharged from our care.
Patient initiated follow up will provide you with direct access to guidance related to your diabetes when you most need it.
For all other concerns, or if you are feeling unwell, your GP remains your first point of contact.
How do I book a patient initiated follow up appointment?
The service is quick and easy to use.
Just call us on 0161 206 1415 and speak to a member of staff or leave a message along with your contact details. Please remember to mention you are on a PIFU pathway.
A member of the team will arrange with you an appointment in one of our dedicated time slots.
When is a Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU) appointment not appropriate?
PIFU is not appropriate for conditions or symptoms unrelated to the condition you were seen for originally. You will need to contact your GP or NHS111 for advice on these.
If you require urgent medical attention, you should contact your GP, NHS 111 or attend A&E if you are really unwell.
Please remember, it is important that you are available for your appointment. If you are unavailable, please tell us in advance so we can try and give your appointment to someone else. Failure to do so may lead to you being referred to your GP.
Date of Review: February 2025
Date of Next Review: February 2027
Ref No: PI_M_2047 (Oldham)