As part of the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership’s Outpatients Transformation programme and to support new ways in which patients can access appointments, we are pleased to launch two patient focused short animations.
These animations aim to support and empower patients by explaining what Patient Initiated Follow Ups (PIFU) are and describing how patients can undertake their appointments virtually if required.
Wendy Scott, Director of Collaborative of Acute Providers explains:
“We are now in a world where we need to embrace new ways of working and new technologies which support and empower our patients, where these are deemed suitable. It is intended that these animations help patients become better informed and aware of their choices on what options are available to them for their ongoing care.”
Dr Nigel Wells, Executive Director of Clinical and Professional Services adds:
“Adopting these changes can save patient’s time and cost by reducing travel to busy hospital sites, avoiding taking time off work, whilst ensuring that the appointments they do have offer the most benefit and convenience for them when they need them most.”
The animations explain the benefits of the use of PIFU and virtual appointment to the patient, NHS and the clinician the appointment is to see. Many patients will benefit from virtual and PIFU appointments, allowing them to taking control of their healthcare and allowing patients to tailor their care to their needs.
Some comments from patients using PIFU and virtual appointments are as follows:
•”I don’t see the need of travelling to hospital when you can have the information over the phone. I wasn’t having any procedures, so for this appointment a telephone call suited me better.”
•”Very easy to use, less time than having to attend hospital. Overall, a good experience.”
•”Much more convenient and cost effective.”
•”It feels like I am in control if I can book a follow-up appointment as I need rather than when one is due whether or not I need it.”
Each animation lasts approximately 40 seconds and should be used in clinic, both within appointments as part of a shared decision-making conversation, played in media systems in outpatient clinics, on social media sites and provider websites etc.
The animations can be viewed on Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership’s YouTube Channel.