Endocrinology - Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU)

What is ‘Patient Initiated Follow Up’?

After a consultation in the Endocrine 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 hospital clinic.

To prevent this, your consultant 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 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

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 when you have a problem in relation to your endocrinology diagnosis and feel you need to be seen, 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 endocrine condition 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 telephone 01706 517233 and leave a message with your contact details.

A member of the team will contact you the same day (8am - 4pm) to arrange for someone to telephone you or make an appointment for you.

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: for these you will need to contact your GP or NHS111 for advice.

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 for your appointment, please tell us in advance so we can try to give your appointment to someone else. Failure to do so may lead to you being referred back to your GP.