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Patient initiated follow-up (PIFU)

If your clinical team assess your condition as stable enough, they may offer you the chance to make your follow-ups with us when you feel you need them, rather than requiring you to attend a routine appointment.

This service is currently being rolled out across a significant number of clinics following a successful trial. If you are interested in taking advantage of this, please speak to your clinician.

About patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU)

Patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) is a pathway that allows a patient (or their carer/guardian) to initiate their own follow-up appointment as and when required symptoms or circumstances change.  

With PIFU, instead of being offered regular clinic visits and routine checkups with your consultant, you can make your own appointment only when you need it, reducing unnecessary anxiety, travel and time spent on a routine check-up.

Being transferred to a PIFU pathway is a shared care decision made between clinician and patient.  

To be suitable for a PIFU pathway, patients must have a stable or low risk condition that can be self-monitored. 

The benefits of PIFU

  • It puts you in control of your own appointments. Instead of being scheduled at routine intervals, you can request an appointment if you feel you need one. If you experience a flare-up in symptoms or problems with medication or drops, you can contact us for advice. A clinician will review your situation and arrange an appointment if it is needed. 
  • It can save you time and money by avoiding unnecessary visits, while also helping to reduce travel for other patients and improve patient experience.
  • Releasing appointments means we can reduce the waiting times for people who need an appointment, especially people who need to be seen quickly or whose sight is at risk if their appointments are delayed. 
  • It will help us to cut down our carbon footprint by reducing the number of unnecessary journeys made to hospital. 

PIFU frequently asked questions

How does it work?

You will be advised by your eye care team if your condition is now suitable to have your follow-ups as patient-initiated instead of, or alongside, the regular appointments scheduled by the hospital. Your eye care professional will discuss the process with you and provide you with this leaflet. Managing your appointments in this way is optional and it is your decision.

 

What happens next?

You will receive a welcome message to your mobile number or email address that we have recorded for you.  

 

How do I book a PIFU appointment?
  1. Login to your patient portal at http://drdoctor.thirdparty.nhs.uk/meh - You can do this by entering the above URL, or by clicking on the link in your SMS/email confirmation.
  2. Ensure you have read the information and select ‘start’.
  3. Enter your last name, date of birth and postcode. These must be the same as the details we have on our hospital system.
  4. You will receive a security code via text message.  
  5. Enter this online and select ‘let’s go’. 
  6. Enter details of why you are making the appointment request and your preference of appointment dates and times. Click ‘submit’. 
  7. Some patients will be required to complete an assessment form. 
  8. If required, you will be sent a link to do this. The form will be reviewed by your clinician. 
Our administration team will arrange an appointment for you, and you will receive a text message or email. Follow the link in your message or login into your patient portal to view updates on your appointment request. 

 

When should I call for a PIFU?

You should initiate an appointment if you are experiencing a flare-up of your condition or have a problem with your condition or medication and need to be seen or need advice from the eye team. The text we sent you and/or your most recent eye clinic letter will highlight symptoms to look out for to help you decide when you need to contact us. 

 

When not to use PIFU
  • If your eye concern is related to a different condition or symptoms to those discussed with your clinician.
  • If the time period stated has lapsed – please see your GP.  If you require urgent medical advice, you should contact your GP, NHS 111, or attend your local emergency eye service. 

 

Will you still be looking after me if I do not call to set up an appointment?

This depends on whether another booked appointment has been made. If so, if you do not call back, you will be seen at the next scheduled appointment. If you do not have a scheduled appointment, and you have not called us back within the time frame agreed with you by our clinical team, you will be discharged back to your GP and optometrist (optician). If you feel that you need further investigations, your GP will need to complete a new referral.   

 

What if I am worried and change my mind about PIFU?

Some patients worry about losing contact with the hospital when they no longer need to be seen regularly by their eye care team. If you wish to return to regular hospital appointments, tell us and we will arrange this for you.

We appreciate and encourage feedback. Please note we may be in touch in the future to ask about your experience. 

 

What if I cannot get through to make an appointment?

If you cannot get through to your eye care team, please email us at moorfields.outpatientbookingsbc@nhs.net 

 

Why have you set a limit on the time for me to make an appointment?

Depending on your condition and the judgement of your clinical team, we may safely discharge you to the care of your GP or optician after an extended period of stability. They can quickly and easily refer you back to us again, and our nurse-led helpline on 020 7566 2345 can always offer you advice on eye conditions. 

 

Author:  Marco Murru
Review date: August 2028