Improving ADHD diagnosis in adults: mini audit

Overview:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is increasingly recognised as a condition persisting into adulthood, often co-occurring with other mental health disorders. Despite this, many adults with ADHD remain undiagnosed, leading to significant personal, social, and economic consequences. This clinical audit supports Australian general practitioners (GPs) in systematically reviewing their adult patient population to improve recognition, diagnosis, and management of ADHD in high-risk groups.

Learning Outcomes:
This measuring outcomes activity provides a practical application to perform a clinical audit of patient care in relation to best practice guidelines. By completing this clinical audit, GPs will:

• Analyse the impact of undiagnosed ADHD in adult patients by reviewing current guidelines and case notes

• Identify potential patients living with ADHD symptoms

• Demonstrate a structured approach to opening discussions with potential patients living with ADHD symptoms

• Develop an evidence-based management plan for adult patients with suspected ADHD incorporating screening tools, referral pathways, and treatment options 

Audit Structure:
The audit consists of:

Stage 1: Reviewing a sample of  five adult patient records to identify individuals who may have undiagnosed ADHD based on risk factors including anxiety.

Stage 2: Review the current diagnostic criteria and recommendations for practice for patients with ADHD

Stage 3: Record your reflections for the changes you would make to your practice

Who Should Participate?
This activity is suitable for GPs, registrars, and practice teams involved in the assessment and management of adult patients with neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

Accreditation:
This clinical audit is accredited meeting program level requirements and providing CPD in the EA and MO categories. The activity supports GPs in meeting their requirements for quality improvement activities.

What participants say about our mini audit format:

Simple format for recording the audit and resources were easy to access and see.

I did this initially for the points but have found it an excellent learning tool for reflection and discussion as well as knowledge

Well planned out activity, good structure and easy to follow instructions to assemble the audit

This is a Medcast Continuing Medical Education (CME) course.