NICE Recommends Digital Technology to Help Diagnose ADHD in Children and Young People

30 July, 2024

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has endorsed the use of digital technology, specifically the QbTest, to aid in diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and young people aged 6 to 17. This recommendation, issued on 16 July 2024, aims to enhance the diagnostic process and reduce waiting times.

Introduction

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting many children and young people. Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for effective management and treatment. NICE’s new guidance on using digital technology represents a significant advancement in ADHD diagnosis.

Key Features of the QbTest

  • Functionality: The QbTest is a computer-based test that monitors the movement of participants and measures three core ADHD symptoms: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The results are compared to a control group without ADHD of the same age and sex.
  • Clinical Trial Evidence: The AQUA clinical trial demonstrated that incorporating the QbTest with standard clinical assessment significantly expedited diagnostic decisions and helped rule out ADHD in more cases.

Benefits of the QbTest

  • Reduced Waiting Times: By enabling quicker diagnostic decisions, the QbTest can help reduce the prolonged waiting times often experienced in the current assessment pathways.
  • Enhanced Diagnostic Accuracy: The combination of the QbTest with clinical assessment enhances diagnostic accuracy, providing a robust basis for clinicians to make informed decisions.

Patient and Expert Feedback

  • Patient Concerns: Long waiting times for ADHD diagnosis have been a significant issue, leading some to seek private assessments. The introduction of the QbTest addresses this concern by facilitating faster and more accurate diagnosis.
  • Expert Opinions: Experts, including Mark Chapman, director of NICE’s HealthTech, emphasised the importance of timely diagnosis and the potential benefits of the QbTest in improving patient outcomes.

Implementation and Recommendations

  • Supplementing Clinical Judgement: NICE recommends that the QbTest should be used alongside professional clinical judgement and not replace it. Diagnosis should be made by qualified specialists such as psychiatrists or paediatricians.
  • Scope of Guidance: Currently, the guidance applies to children and young people. Further research is needed before extending recommendations to adults or evaluating treatment effectiveness using digital technology.

Conclusion

NICE’s endorsement of the QbTest for diagnosing ADHD in children and young people is a significant step forward. This digital technology promises to reduce waiting times, improve diagnostic accuracy, and ultimately enhance the management of ADHD, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.

 

Read more: NICE recommends digital technology to help diagnose ADHD in children and young people | NICE

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