Primary care provision for young people with ADHD: a multi-perspective qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Healthcare Management
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder.
• UK primary care is crucial for ADHD management but GPs often feel unsupported.
• Inadequate healthcare for ADHD incurs significant costs for patients and society.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate young people's experiences with ADHD primary care access in England.
• To gather perspectives from individuals with lived ADHD experience and healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews.
• Participants included HCPs (GPs, practice managers, wellbeing workers) and young people (16-25) with ADHD and their supporters.
• Data analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis within a critical realist framework.

Main Results:

• Interviews with 20 participants (11 HCPs, 9 lived experience) revealed three themes.
• Key themes: a stressed healthcare system, incompatibility between ADHD needs and healthcare structures, and proposed strategies for improvement.
• Findings highlight challenges in current ADHD primary care provision.

Conclusions:

• Standardizing ADHD management in primary care is recommended.
• Enhanced information and support for HCPs are crucial.
• Advising on reasonable adjustments for individuals with ADHD can improve treatment access.