• Reference Number: HEY-1388/2023
• Departments: Physiotherapy
• Last Updated: 30 November 2023

Introduction

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team.

A referral has been received from your midwife or GP requesting physiotherapy to help with the symptoms that you are experiencing in your pregnancy. Following a review of your referral the Physiotherapy team are happy that you do not need to be assessed regarding your current symptoms, however enclosed with this leaflet are two really useful information leaflets to help manage your condition.

It is recommended that you follow the advice given in these leaflets for the duration of your pregnancy to allow your symptoms to settle. You have been placed onto the Patient Initiated Follow-up (PIFU) Pathway.

What is a Patient-Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU) pathway?

A patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) means that we will not routinely book you an appointment, instead we are putting you in control of making your own appointments at a time when you need them most.

 How does PIFU work?

Your physiotherapist is happy that you do not need to see them unless, after following the advice in the enclosed leaflets, you are still experiencing problems.

You can make an appointment to see us if you have any concerns related to your condition at any time during your pregnancy.

When should I call for a PIFU?

• If your symptoms haven’t improved or have worsened and are affecting your mobility and/or your daily routine.
• If you are worried about the effects your symptoms will have on your labour/birth.

How do I book a PIFU follow up appointment?

• Call the Physiotherapy department on 01482 674880 (Mon-Friday 8am-4pm – excluding bank holidays)
• State you are on a PIFU pathway and require an appointment
• Agree an appointment date and time
• Attend your telephone, video or face-to-face appointment

When should I not use PIFU?

• If your concern is not related to Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnancy
• If you need urgent medical advice in this instance you should contact your Midwife, GP or NHS111.

What if I don’t need a PIFU follow-up appointment?

You do not have to arrange an appointment if you feel it is not required.

If you do not contact us to book an appointment during your pregnancy, you will be discharged back to the care of your GP on your baby’s due date.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Physiotherapy Department on 01482 674880

General Advice and Consent

Most of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet, but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion with the healthcare team.

Consent to treatment

Before any doctor, nurse or therapist examines or treats you, they must seek your consent or permission. In order to make a decision, you need to have information from health professionals about the treatment or investigation which is being offered to you. You should always ask them more questions if you do not understand or if you want more information.

The information you receive should be about your condition, the alternatives available to you, and whether it carries risks as well as the benefits. What is important is that your consent is genuine or valid. That means:

• you must be able to give your consent
• you must be given enough information to enable you to make a decision
• you must be acting under your own free will and not under the strong influence of another person

Information about you

We collect and use your information to provide you with care and treatment. As part of your care, information about you will be shared between members of a healthcare team, some of whom you may not meet. Your information may also be used to help train staff, to check the quality of our care, to manage and plan the health service, and to help with research. Wherever possible we use anonymous data.

We may pass on relevant information to other health organisations that provide you with care. All information is treated as strictly confidential and is not given to anyone who does not need it. If you have any concerns please ask your doctor, or the person caring for you.

Under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018 we are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any information we hold about you. For further information visit the following page: Confidential Information about You.

If you or your carer needs information about your health and wellbeing and about your care and treatment in a different format, such as large print, braille or audio, due to disability, impairment or sensory loss, please advise a member of staff and this can be arranged.