Keep taking the tablets? Evidence-based approaches to AD(H)D. Part 2: Audit and changing practice

Area of Science:

• Clinical practice improvement
• Healthcare quality assurance
• Pediatric behavioral health

Background:

• The need to update clinical practices based on new scientific literature and evidence.
• Previous assessment methods for Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADHD) required refinement.
• The importance of continuous quality improvement in pediatric healthcare services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To utilize the audit cycle to evaluate and enhance current clinical practices for ADHD.
• To integrate new evidence and literature findings into ADHD assessment and management.
• To establish new, measurable standards for ADHD services provided to children and young people.

Main Methods:

• Application of the audit cycle methodology.
• Review of current literature and available evidence regarding ADHD.
• Development and implementation of refined assessment strategies.
• Measurement of practice against newly established standards.

Main Results:

• Refinement of clinical practice in response to new evidence.
• Establishment of new, higher standards for ADHD services.
• Development and implementation of improved assessment methods.
• Successful measurement of practice against the new standards.

Conclusions:

• The audit cycle is an effective tool for refining clinical practice in ADHD.
• Continuous auditing is necessary to maintain and improve the quality of care for children and young people with ADHD.
• Further auditing of other service components for ADHD is recommended.