Patient Information Leaflet for Patient Initiated Follow-Up – Rheumatology Therapies

Nikki Harrison

  • Reference Number: HEY1352/2023
  • Departments: Rheumatology, Therapies
  • Last Updated: 30 June 2023
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Introduction

This leaflet is to provide general information. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and the Therapies team. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the Therapies team.

What is Patient Initiated Follow-Up?

Patient Initiated Follow-Up puts you, the patient, in control of when you are seen by the Therapy Team. It means spending less time attending hospital appointments, but still having access to clinical support when you need it.

For all other concerns, or if you are feeling unwell, your GP will remain your first point of contact.

How does it work?

You will be advised by the team if your condition is suitable to have patient initiated follow-ups instead of the regular appointments scheduled by the hospital, unless you have a problem.

Your clinician will have advised you about the process and given you this patient information sheet. If you do have any problems, you can contact the Therapies department on the appointments number and they will arrange an appointment, either by telephone, video call or face-to-face if it is needed.

If a clinician requires to see you an appointment will be made for you.

When should I call for a patient initiated follow-up?

You should call if you feel you are experiencing problems such as:

  • a flare up of your condition
  • having reduction in function or mobility
  • hand joint position changes
  • falls or near misses

When should I not use patient initiated follow-up?

If you require urgent medical advice you should contact your GP, NHS 111, your local walk-in centre or, if you are really unwell, you local Emergency Department (A&E).

Will you still be looking after me if I do not call for a patient initiated follow-up?

Yes, you can contact us for advice by telephone as before. These details are at the top of your clinic letters.

You can use the PIFU process for up to 12 months after your last appointment with your therapist.

How do I arrange an appointment?

If you have a flare up of your symptoms, just follow the steps below and the team will help you:

  1. Call the appointment team: Tel: 01482 626712
  2. Explain that you are on a patient initiated follow-up pathway.
  3. For Physiotherapy agree an appointment date and time.
    For OT you will receive a call back within 7 working days.
  4. Attend your telephone, video or clinic appointment.

In the event you need to leave a message when you call (voicemails are checked regularly), please leave the following information:

  • Your full name and date of birth
  • Your hospital number and/or NHS number –if known
  • A telephone number where we can call you between 8am and 4pm
  • Date of your last Rheumatology appointment

We have an online system called ‘My Health and Care Record’ where you are able to access personal information securely, relating to the care we provide you or on the Patient Knows Best website.

More information is available on the website:
My Care Record: www.mycarerecord.org.uk
Patients Knows Best (PKB): patientsknowbest.com
(or scan QR code)

 Useful Contacts and information:

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.

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