Patient Initiated Follow Up’ (PIFU)

What is a ‘Patient Initiated Follow Up’ (PIFU)? 

PIFU puts you in control of making an appointment when you feel you need it as opposed to attending a follow up within a set timeframe, which you may not need.  It means you will have direct access to support when you feel you need it.  Research has shown that regular visits do not always help to prevent your condition returning or identify new problems but can potentially cause unnecessary anxiety. 

How does it work? 

Following your next clinic appointment, you will be advised by your clinician if your condition is now suitable to have your follow-ups with PIFU pathway instead of the regular appointments. Managing your appointments in this way is optional and it is your decision. If you feel this is not suitable for you, you can continue to book a scheduled appointment. The MSK PIFU service offers you a 3-month period of open access to the MSK service as you feel you need to. After your 3 months PIFU period, if you have not contacted us, you will be discharged from the service and will need to contact your GP to be referred back to the MSK service. 

How do I make an appointment? 

Making an appointment is easy - you just need to call the MSK service on the number provided on the back of this leaflet.  

Please note, to arrange a patient-initiated follow-up appointment you must: 

• have been told by your healthcare professional that this is appropriate for you, 
• contact us within the timeframe advised by your clinician. 

Following your appointment, your clinician will discuss with you whether to remain on Patient Initiated Follow-Up or revert to regular appointments –again, it is your decision. If at any point you change your mind, please contact us to discuss further. 

When should I call for a PIFU? 

You should call the physio department if you are experiencing a flare-up of your condition (increased pain, swelling, redness, reduced mobility changes in pain pattern), or a problem with your condition or medication, and need to be seen or need advice from the Physiotherapy team regarding your original problem. 

What happens if I don’t need a follow-up appointment within the agreed timeframe? 

If you don’t need an appointment, then you don’t need to contact us. Depending on your condition and plan, we may have already booked a future follow-up appointment with you or agreed a time when you will be discharged from our care. 

When not to use PIFU? 

If you need urgent medical advice, you should contact your GP or NHS 111, or if you are unwell, your local Emergency Department (A&E). For all other concerns, or if you are feeling unwell, your GP is still your first point of contact. 

How long will I have to wait before I receive an appointment? 

We will aim to have organised booking and let you know the date of your face to face or telephone appointment within 2 weeks. If the problem is urgent, MSK team will get in touch within 48 hours.  Please inform us if your contact details change during this time to help us to respond promptly.