Quality Improvement Project: Referral Process for Adults With Suspected ADHD

AIMS: Twelve GP surgeries refer adults with suspected ADHD to Horsham Assessment and Treatment Service (ATS). Patients are referred by GPs via letter and an adult ADHD self-report scale (ASRS). Letter contents are variable and some referrals are rejected. There is no gold standard or national guideline for what referral information is required. We used a combination of guidelines and advice from The Royal College of Psychiatrists, The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and ADHD UK. Aims: to evaluate the current quality of the referrals, to obtain GP’' views on the referral process, to make the process more efficient and clearer, and with that improve patient experience. METHODS: A retrospective data collection method was used. 57 patients were referred between 31(s)t August 2021 and 1(s)t April 2022. We reviewed 54 referral letters (3 were excluded). Main information looked for: presenting difficulties, resultant impairments, confirmation some symptoms present in childhood, past medical history, family history and if an ASRS was attached. We sent a questionnaire to obtain GPs’ opinions on the referral process and how to improve this. RESULTS: 89% of referrals explained the current difficulties; 52% described the resultant impairments; 61% of referrals mentioned if symptoms had been present in childhood; 91% of referrals contained past medical history and current medication. No referrals mentioned family history; 6% of referrals contained some physical health data; 85% of referrals to ATS were accepted; 13% rejected as ASRS not attached. Results from GP questionnaires: 11 surveys were returned. Most GPs were not confident in making a referral or what information is required, and did not understand the referral process. GPs would like a referral form, a flowchart outlining the referral process and information for patients about ADHD assessment. CONCLUSION: 89% of referrals explained current difficulties. Just over half described the resultant impairments, and confirmed if there were symptoms in childhood. Most referrals contained past medical history. 6% contained some physical health data. Only 85% of referrals were accepted. GPs would like a referral form, a flowchart and information for patients. Results were distributed to staff in ATS and we will distribute results to GPs. We have created a referral form and flowchart to make the referral process more efficient and clearer, and to improve patient experience. We will re-evaluate this after a few weeks, so we can compare with previous data collected.