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QI 1252 Improving the Adult ADHD Pathway to Reduce the Time to Diagnostic Outcome
Brown, Kayleigh Dunkerley, Laura Supported by the Quality Improvement Team
Brown, Kayleigh
Dunkerley, Laura
Supported by the Quality Improvement Team
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Affiliation
Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust
Other Contributors
Publication date
2025-07
Subject
Collections
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
To improve client experience of the adult ADHD pathway, by reducing the time clients wait between their first appointment and receiving an outcome to 4 weeks.
Many individuals referred to the ADHD Team experience long waits for an initial appointment, and even longer delays receiving a diagnostic outcome. This can impact a person’s ability to understand themselves, access appropriate support, and maintain their overall wellbeing. Research shows early diagnosis is associated with improved quality of life, self-esteem, daily functioning and long-term outcomes.
However, individuals frequently report frustration & dissatisfaction with the length of time spent on the waiting list. By gaining a clearer picture of how long clients wait at each stage (assessment, diagnosis, treatment), we can identify opportunities to streamline the pathway, reduce delays and improve client experience and outcomes.
Tools Used: Mapping the Last 10 Patients - https://aqua.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/qsir-mapping-the-last-10-patients.pdf;
Mapping the Pathway - https://aqua.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/qsir-mapping-the-process.pdf;
PDSA Cycles - https://aqua.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/qsir-pdsa-cycles-model-for-improvement.pdf;
Staff Surveys
Project Impact: Since changing the pathway, the time clients wait between their first appointment and receiving a diagnostic outcome has reduced from 75 weeks to just 2 weeks. There is positive feedback from clients and staff about the new pathway options.
Citation
Brown, Kayleigh; Dunkerley, Laura. QI 1252 Improving the Adult ADHD Pathway to Reduce the Time to Diagnostic Outcome. Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, 2025
Type
Internal Poster