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PLAIN-LANGUAGE ARTICLE SUMMARY
Innovations in Primary Care
New Process Decreases Wait Time for Diagnosis and Treatment for ADHD and Other Psychiatric Conditions
In a suburban family medicine residency clinic, an innovative approach was implemented to reduce wait times for adult ADHD diagnosis and treatment, which previously ranged from 20 to 56 weeks in behavioral health clinics. The new process involved two clinical visits. In the first visit, patients completed self-administered screening tools for ADHD and potential co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. If ADHD was suspected, patients reviewed a diagnostic interview tool (DIVA-5) at home and returned for a second visit. During the second visit, clinicians reviewed the DIVA-5 results, confirmed the ADHD diagnosis if applicable, and offered treatment, including medication initiation. During the pilot phase, 80% of the 48 patients were diagnosed with ADHD, with 72% opting for medication. The new process decreased wait times for diagnosis and treatment by 46-96% compared to behavioral health referrals, significantly improving care access and patient satisfaction. This approach also increased the clinic’s ability to manage complex psychiatric conditions, offering a low-cost and adaptable solution for family medicine practices.
Adult ADHD Diagnosis in Family Medicine Clinic
Deborah M. Mullen, PhD, et al
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee
PLAIN-LANGUAGE ARTICLE SUMMARY
Innovations in Primary Care
New Process Decreases Wait Time for Diagnosis and Treatment for ADHD and Other Psychiatric Conditions
In a suburban family medicine residency clinic, an innovative approach was implemented to reduce wait times for adult ADHD diagnosis and treatment, which previously ranged from 20 to 56 weeks in behavioral health clinics. The new process involved two clinical visits. In the first visit, patients completed self-administered screening tools for ADHD and potential co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. If ADHD was suspected, patients reviewed a diagnostic interview tool (DIVA-5) at home and returned for a second visit. During the second visit, clinicians reviewed the DIVA-5 results, confirmed the ADHD diagnosis if applicable, and offered treatment, including medication initiation. During the pilot phase, 80% of the 48 patients were diagnosed with ADHD, with 72% opting for medication. The new process decreased wait times for diagnosis and treatment by 46-96% compared to behavioral health referrals, significantly improving care access and patient satisfaction. This approach also increased the clinic’s ability to manage complex psychiatric conditions, offering a low-cost and adaptable solution for family medicine practices.
Adult ADHD Diagnosis in Family Medicine Clinic
Deborah M. Mullen, PhD, et al
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee
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