An evaluation of patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) outpatient services in the English NHS

The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. [...] 6 The impact of PIFU on activity and outcomes Impact on outpatient attendance and missed appointments • Increasing PIFU rates appear to be associated with less frequent outpatient attendance and rates of missed appointments, particularly within certain clinical specialties. [...] Local evaluation of inequalities due to PIFU • Local evaluation of outcomes and inequalities is difficult in many trusts due to the problems of reporting PIFU activity on the local electronic patient administration system. [...] Addressing health inequalities is a priority across the NHS and it is important to consider the impact of PIFU as part of this. [...] 13 An evaluation of patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) outpatient services in the English NHS Statements What is patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU)? Evaluation questions Methods The implementation of PIFU The impact of PIFU on activity and outcomes Health inequalities Staff experiences Patient experiences Implications for policy and practice (1) Implications for policy and practice (2) Recommendat.