Evaluating a Web-Based Adult ADHD Toolkit for Primary Care Clinicians

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Primary Care
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 5% of US adults, impacting quality of life.
• Healthcare professionals express a need for enhanced knowledge and confidence in treating adult ADHD.
• The American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network (AAFP NRN) developed a web-based Adult ADHD Toolkit.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of the AAFP Adult ADHD Toolkit on healthcare practices.
• To evaluate changes in healthcare professionals' knowledge and confidence in managing adult ADHD.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-seven primary and behavioral health professionals utilized the Toolkit for 17 weeks.
• Data collected via pre-post and weekly surveys, employing mixed methods, regression analyses, t-tests, and mixed ANOVA.
• Assessed Toolkit use, usefulness, implementation, impact, and changes in knowledge and confidence.

Main Results:

• Toolkit use significantly improved knowledge regarding treatment effects, side effects, outcomes, ADHD resources, and management of comorbid conditions.
• Confidence increased in mental health interview techniques, and treatment options for ADHD with comorbid mental health and substance use disorders.
• 87% of participants reported the Toolkit met most of their needs for adult ADHD diagnosis, treatment, and management.

Conclusions:

• The AAFP Adult ADHD Toolkit measurably increased healthcare professionals' knowledge of adult ADHD.
• Toolkit adoption into routine care is beneficial, especially for providers frequently treating adult ADHD patients.