A nurse-led model of care for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Bullock, Rachel
- Ford, Sue
Abstract Assessment and management of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder are complex and nationally inconsistent. To improve care for the children and young people it serves, a mental health service developed a nurse-led initiative that improved multidisciplinary working, including shared care with general practice. The project increased the team's capacity and reduced the waiting list for patients. By improving communication with GPs, it also allowed patients' repeat prescriptions to be managed in primary care. Overall, the new model has also made an annual saving for the trust in prescription costs.
In this article…
How attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is assessed and managed nationally
How a mental health service developed a nurse-led model to improve shared care
The model's time and cost benefits for patients and the service
Key points

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HEALTH & WELLBEING: CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
Hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention are the core symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
National guidelines recommend integrated, organised care between services
A nurse-led model increased multidisciplinary working in an attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder service
The project reduced the service's waiting list and prescription costs
Patients value receiving care locally from their GP, including the management of repeat prescriptions