Patient Initiated Follow-up (PIFU) for Physiotherapy for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (Including: Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Urinary Incontinence & Urinary Urgency) | Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Reference Number: HEY-1386/2023
Departments: Gynaecology, Physiotherapy
Last Updated: 30 September 2023

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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.

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

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

How does PIFU work?

You have been given this leaflet because your physiotherapist is happy that you do not need to see them again unless you have a problem.

When should I call for a PIFU?

You can call to make an appointment if you

are not improving
have worsening symptoms

Please note, you can only initiate a PIFU appointment for the specific condition you were originally referred to the Physiotherapy service for.

When should I not use PIFU?

If your concern is related to different condition
If the specified time period has lapsed, please contact your GP.
If you need urgent medical advice you should contact your 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 don’t contact us to book an appointment within the specified timeframe, the PIFU will expire and you will be discharged back to the care of your GP/Consultant. We will not contact you to book a PIFU appointment – it must be initiated by you.

Booking a PIFU follow up appointment:

Call the Physiotherapy department on 01482 674880 (Mon-Fri 8am to 4pm – excluding bank holidays if there is no answer please leave a message and we will get back to you).
State you are on a PIFU pathway and require an appointment.
Agree an appointment date and time.
Attend your telephone or face-to-face appointment.

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