HSJ Partnership Award for innovation programme that is transforming ADHD diagnosis in the NHS

Since the launch of the Focus ADHD programme, which is supported by Academic Health Science Networks including Health Innovation Manchester, almost 57,000 people (aged 6-18 years) have received an objective ADHD assessment.

Health Innovation Manchester are delighted to have had the programme’s achievements recognised by the HSJ Partnership after receiving the award for Best Mental Health Partnership at the HSJ Awards which took place on 24^th March 2022.

The innovation, which speeds up the time to diagnosis using QBTest technology, has improved patient experience and saved the NHS a potential £19.5m since 2017*. It is being used in 59 trusts across 113 sites – just over half of the NHS providers of ADHD assessments for this age group.

QbTest is an approved computer-supported objective test that measures attention, motor activity and impulsivity which can be all core symptoms of ADHD. Results are instantly analysed and presented in a report which compares a patients’ results against a normative dataset based on age and gender. ADHD practitioners then use information from the QbTest report alongside their clinical assessment to inform their decision on whether the young person has ADHD or not.

As part of the Focus ADHD National Programme, Health Innovation Manchester, alongside the other 14 Academic Health Science Networks across England are supporting clinical services to improve their ADHD assessment pathway with the implementation of QbTest.

The Focus ADHD programme can have a positive impact on young people and families by reducing the number of appointments needed for clinical diagnosis, meaning that clinicians can see more patients. The new pathway can also generate increased clinical confidence and understanding while increasing efficiencies for the service.

Tony Doyle, Managing Director, Qbtech said: “Working on Focus ADHD has been an absolute pleasure and I would like to thank all colleagues working on the programme from the AHSNs and Qbtech.  Together we have made a real difference and continue to improve the lives of those living with ADHD.”

Louise Bond, Programme Development Lead, Health Innovation Manchester said: “It’s fantastic to hear that the Focus ADHD Programme has won the HSJ Award for the Best Mental Health Partnership. ADHD can significantly impact a person’s life. Getting a diagnosis quickly makes a real difference as it means children and young people can access treatment sooner. It also helps families to better understand their child’s behaviour and how they can support them. This has been a truly collaborative project and it’s brilliant that the leadership and passion of those involved has been recognised.”

Watch a video to see how Focus ADHD has impacted one family’s life. 

Find out more about Health Innovation Manchester’s ADHD work

* Based on a saving of £343 per patient which was identified by findings from the East Midlands Real World Demonstrator between January and December 2017.