In a significant development for the world of ADHD diagnosis and management, the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has included QbTest in draft guidance for the assessment of the condition of children and young people aged six to 17 when used alongside other measures.
What does NICE guidance mean for ADHD management?
The inclusion of QbTest in NICE’s guidance is a testament to its clinical utility and efficacy. Its recommendations are based on rigorous evaluation of the evidence, ensuring that only interventions with proven benefits are recommended.
The NHS has been told it can start using our ADHD test to speed up diagnosis in children and young people to a few months, which otherwise could take several years.
Key highlights of NICE’s draft guidance
Evidence-based validation
Acknowledges the robust clinical evidence supporting QbTest. Numerous studies have demonstrated its accuracy and reliability in diagnosing ADHD, making it a valuable tool for clinicians, such as the AQUA clinical trial.
The AQUA study demonstrated that using QbTest along with standard clinical assessment led to a higher proportion of diagnostic decisions within six months of the first assessment appointment compared to not using it.
Faster decision making without compromising diagnostic accuracy
The draft guidance shows that QbTest complements traditional diagnostic methods to lead to earlier diagnoses. This is particularly important, as timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with ADHD.
Resource efficiency
QbTest can streamline ADHD assessments, reducing the time and resources required for comprehensive evaluations. This efficiency is beneficial for both healthcare providers and patients.
Implications for Clinicians and Patients
For clinicians, the inclusion of QbTest in NICE’s draft guidance offers a valuable recommendation of a tool that can enhance their diagnostic toolkit, and subsequently their clinical confidence.
Patients and their families stand to benefit too. The objective data can validate their experiences and concerns as well as open the door to timely interventions, which are critical in managing ADHD effectively.
Find out more about NICE’s appraisal of QbTest in 2023.