Patient initiated follow-up (PIFU)
Patient Initiated Follow Up – or PIFU – allows you to make appointments when you need them, rather than fixed appointents by the hospital.
This makes it easier and more convenient to access specialist care when you need it, in a way that best meets your individual needs. It can help to save you time, money and stress travelling to appointments you don't need.
What happens if I am placed on PIFU?
If your clinician thinks that PIFU may be suitable, they will discuss this with you and agree a PIFU plan, including when you should get in contact with us and how long your PIFU will last for.
Once this has been agreed, you will be given the contact details for the clinical team, so that you are able to get in touch with them directly when you want to arrange an appointment. Your GP will also be informed that you have been put onto a PIFU pathway.
When you reach the end of the PIFU period your clinician will decide whether to discharge you to the care of your GP.
PIFU is not always suitable for everyone, which is why it will only be used if your clinician decides with you that it is the right thing for you and your condition.
How do I book a patient initiated follow up appointment?
If you are on PIFU and your care service, please contact our main switchboard on 0207 3777 000 and ask to be put through to your service.
If you are unable to attend your appointment for any reason, please let us know in advance as we may be able to allocate your appointment time to another patient.
Further information
What is PIFU?
What are the benefits of PIFU?
What it means to be a PIFU patient?
Read more:
Personalised Stratified Follow Up (PSFU) after cancer treatment
Personalised stratified follow up (PSFU) is a term used to describe the different models of follow-up for cancer patients.
After treatment, you will be offered a follow-up pathway that is personalised to you. These are often referred to as Personalised Stratified Follow-Up, Open Access Follow-Up, Patient Initiated Follow-Up or Remote Monitoring.
We understand that it may be difficult to understand the different pathways and your clinical nurse specialist will talk you through the right pathway for you. These pathways are designed to minimise attending hospital and increase the way you can contact your specialist team. If you require remote monitoring, routine appointments may be replaced by a system where you continue to have regular surveillance tests as required and will be informed of the results by post.
You can call us if you have a problem and will be followed up in a clinic if you need further assessment.
Your clinical team will discuss this with you and, if suitable, you may be offered:
- Regular surveillance scans or tests, with quicker and easier access to results; it is important you attend these scans.
- Rapid re-access to your cancer team, including telephone advice and support, if you are worried about any symptoms, side-effects or treatment.
- Information about signs and symptoms to look out for, suggesting your cancer may have returned.
- Personalised care and support planning and support for self-management to help you to improve your health and wellbeing in the long-term.
- Building your knowledge, skills and confidence.
- Connecting with other people or organisations in your community for support.