The East Midlands Health Innovation Network rolled out a national programme to implement the QbTest, an objective test to help reach a diagnostic decision for ADHD, in NHS Trusts across England. We used a mixed methods approach to evaluate this national programme by collecting pre and post implementation audit data from Trust sites. Interviews were also conducted with healthcare staff involved with the QbTest implementation or use. A survey for healthcare staff and a separate survey for patients/their families were distributed by Trust sites to gather feedback on their experience of using the QbTest. The findings were an 11.5% decrease in number of appointments from pre to post implementation of the QbTest. There was also a 55 day increase from initial referral to diagnosis, and a 12 day increase to reach a diagnostic decision, though these results were likely due to the impact of COVID. Healthcare staff also reported finding the QbTest easy to use, helpful in supporting patient understanding of diagnostic decision, reducing the waitlist, that support from QbTech Ltd and their support was important to successful implementation, and they thought the test should be used on all ADHD assessments. Patients and their families found the QbTest useful, easy to complete, and helpful in understanding the patient’s symptoms and the diagnostic decision. Overall, the QbTest resulted in service efficiencies for the ADHD assessment pathway and was acceptable/feasible to healthcare staff and patients and their families.

Caitlin has an MSc in Social Epidemiology from University College London. She has over 7 years’ experience working in evaluation and research. She has worked on, and project managed several research/evaluation projects covering topics such as minimizing isolation of older adults, Individual Placement and Support for veterans, and physical education for young people with severe anxiety. She is also author on several publications on topics including ADHD, tics and Tourette’s and attitude changes towards people with mental health conditions.