This leaflet has been produced to give you general information. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and the healthcare team but may act as a starting point for discussion. 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 your child a follow-up appointment. Instead, we are putting you in control of making appointments for your child, at a time when you need them most, within a given timeframe.

How does PIFU work?

You will have been given this leaflet because your healthcare professional is happy that you do not need to see them again unless you have a problem. If you do have any problems, you can contact the Children’s Hearing Service on the given telephone number and they will arrange an appointment, either by telephone, video call or face-to-face if it is needed.
You will be told how long you can contact the Children’s Hearing Service on the PIFU pathway.

When should I call for a PIFU?

You can call to make an appointment if you:

• Feel your child is not improving to a level that was expected
• You feel your child’s hearing has got worse.

Please note you can only initiate a PIFU appointment for the specific condition you were originally referred to the Children’s Hearing Service for.

When should I not use PIFU?

• If your concern is related to a different condition
• If the specified time period has lapsed, please contact your GP for a new referral
• If you need urgent medical advice you should contact your GP or NHS 111.

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 that was given to you, the PIFU will expire and you will be discharged back to the care of your GP. We will not contact you to book a PIFU appointment – it must be initiated by you.

Booking a PIFU appointment

• Call the Children’s Hearing Service
• State you are on a PIFU pathway and require an appointment
• Agree appointment date and time. This may be a phone appointment with an audiologist initially, to discuss your concerns
• Attend your video, phone or face to face appointment.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Children’s Hearing Service.