10 April 2025

Between November 2023 and September 2024, Brent CAMHS conducted a quality improvement project to address rising ADHD assessment referrals. The initiative involved developing an online education platform to support parents in understanding ADHD and guide medication decisions. Traditional methods such as one-to-one clinical prescriber sessions and Zoom group meetings, faced challenges with high absence rates (47%) and confidentiality concerns with group settings.  

The digital platform included educational videos, reading resources, a Q&A section, and e-forms for medication decisions. Implemented in Brent, one of London’s most diverse boroughs, it streamlined ADHD treatment pathways, cutting the average time-to-initiation (TTI) by 41% (from 86 days to 51 days) and increasing medication uptake from 64% to 70%. 

Additionally, the platform’s integration of e-forms helped streamline the process of starting ADHD treatment by consolidating crucial physical health information in one place. This not only expedited medication decisions but also reduced admin workload for clinicians. 

Beyond improving accessibility, the platform reduced clinical and administrative burdens, enabling clinicians to focus more on patient care. Efforts to bridge digital gaps include QR-coded posters in reception areas to assist families less comfortable with online tools. The project's success highlights technology's potential in improving ADHD service efficiency amid growing demand. 

This quality improvement project was published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Open Quality journal, which you can read here.