Urology - Patient Initiated follow-up (PIFU) - Urology

What is a ‘patient-initiated follow-up’ (PIFU)?

After treatment, patients are normally seen at a hospital for a follow-up appointment. Following routine treatments and procedures, evidence has shown that a lot of these appointments are of limited benefit to patients. This can leave patients feeling frustrated as it takes time, effort and money to attend a hospital site.

To prevent this, your consultant will provide you with all the relevant details of how to manage your care following your treatment. Should you need further information or a review in clinic, then you will be able to make a hospital appointment yourself.

The term used, which allows patients to make this appointment (if needed) is called Patient Initiated Follow-up (PIFU).

I’m concerned about losing regular contact with the hospital

It is important to remember that you are still under our care until your recovery is complete. Being on PIFU allows you to contact your clinician when you have a problem and feel you need to be seen, without the need for an unnecessary appointment if your recovery is going well. Your clinician will have advised how long you are on PIFU for before you will be discharged from our care.

Check the information your consultant has provided you with following your treatment. This has been designed for you. It shows symptoms that indicate “problems” of your treatment and that you should arrange an appointment with us.
 
Patient initiated follow-up will provide you with direct access to guidance 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. If your care is under Bury, Rochdale or Oldham just call on 0161 778 2233 and select option 2 for Urology.

If your care is under Salford please refer to the contact number on the letter which will be sent to you in due course, a copy of which will be shared with your GP.

Please remember, it’s important that you are available for your appointment. If you are unavailable for your appointment then please tell us in advance so that we can try to give your appointment to someone else. Failure to do so may lead to you being referred back to your GP.