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Changing How We Deliver Outpatients Services

Outpatient Services in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board deliver essential care for patients. We recognise that when you require access to our care, you need it at that time, rather than according to a schedule or a waiting list.

We want to introduce two positive changes to the way we deliver care, and we want to hear your views on our suggestions.

We are looking to introduce, Patient Initiated Follow-up (PIFU) and See on Symptom (SOS). These routes to services empower patients to take control of their own care and gives them the choice and flexibility in how and when they access our services.

Some of our services are already successfully operating under these arrangements, including:

• Cardiology • Dermatology • Ear, Nose and Throat • Gastroenterology • Gynaecology • Lymphoedema Service • Neurology • Trauma and Orthopaedics • Urology •

 

 

Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU)

 

Benefits of Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU)?
  • Patient initiated follow up puts you in control. You can make an appointment to see us if you have any worries or concerns about your original complaint rather than having a regular clinic visit.
  • Research has shown that having a regular outpatient follow up does not help to prevent your condition returning or identify latest problems. In fact, some people find that follow up visits to the hospital cause unnecessary anxiety.
  • Some patients with long term conditions do not require regular follow up by the hospital team.
  • Some patients have expressed concern about losing regular contact with the hospital. Everyone reacts differently when they no longer need to see their medical team regularly.
  • For all other concerns, or if you are feeling unwell, your GP remains your best first point of contact.

 

Two-year Review

A doctor/nurse or consultant may need to review (with or without your participation) your medical records and care plan, at a defined time in the future to ensure guidelines are being followed and that your care plans are still appropriate.

 

 

See on Symptom (SOS)


What is See on Symptom (SOS)?

See on symptom, or SOS, means you are in control.

A regular outpatient follow up often does not help to prevent your condition returning or identify latest problems.  Some people find follow up visits to the hospital cause unnecessary worry about the appointment, arranging days off work for you or someone who needs to be with you and travelling long distances.

Most patients who have received hospital treatment do not require follow up by the hospital team.

Everyone reacts differently when they no longer need to routinely see their medical team. Some patients worry about losing contact with the hospital.

Being on a SOS route or pathway means that you can call us if you have any problems or concerns about your condition, and we will arrange for you to be reviewed. This is instead of us calling you back at routine intervals.

 

Benefits of See on Symptom (SOS)
  • The service will reduce unnecessary visits to hospital, reduce your waiting times and release the medical teams to see more patients in a timely manner.
  • Possible earlier appointments and treatments through lower waiting times and delays in treatment/reviews.
  • You may have advice by telephone avoiding the need for a face-to-face follow-up appointment, if deemed appropriate.
  • You will only attend a hospital or virtual appointment when it is required e.g., during a flare up of your condition.
  • Improves your involvement in managing your health, where you become ‘partners’ in your own care. You may save time and money as you may not have to travel for unnecessary follow-up appointments.
  • This will hopefully mean less anxiety and inconvenience for you. If you are struggling to cope, we may be able to see you more quickly.

 

How do I book a See on Symptom appointment?

Your clinical team will ask you to call the number provided, if you have any concerns or changes in your condition. You will be able to contact us about your condition any time within a time agreed with your consultant – usually 6 or 12 months. If you remain healthy and without any further need to see us, we will discharge you back to the care of your GP.

 

Benefits for the NHS

  • There are reductions in waiting times and we can see people more quickly for treatment/reviews.
  • The doctor/nurse/consultant spends less time in clinics and may phone you for a consultation rather than having a face-to-face follow-up appointment.
  • The cost of avoidable follow-up appointments will be reduced.
  • The number of people who do not turn up for appointments should be reduced, so that staff can deal with those who really need help and advice/treatment.

 

ENT Patient Survey

The Ear, Nose and Throat team have undertaken a survey of patients who are already utilising the new routes to care.