Quality standard
Quality statement 3: Continuity of child to adult services
Quality statement 3: Continuity of child to adult services
Quality statement
Adults who were diagnosed with and treated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as children or young people and present with symptoms of continuing ADHD are referred to general adult psychiatric services.
Rationale
There are increasing numbers of adults with ADHD in the general adult population and in addition there are a large number of adolescents moving from children's to adult's services. Adults with continuing symptoms of ADHD often experience much reduced levels of support as adults and it is important that their symptoms are recognised so that appropriate onward referral can be made.
Quality measures
The following measures can be used to assess the quality of care or service provision specified in the statement. They are examples of how the statement can be measured, and can be adapted and used flexibly.
Structure
Evidence of local arrangements to ensure that adults who present with symptoms of continuing ADHD are referred to general adult psychiatric services.
Data source: Local data collection.
Process
Proportion of adults with ADHD who present with symptoms of continuing ADHD who are referred to general adult psychiatric services.
Numerator – the number of people in the denominator who are referred to general adult psychiatric services.
Denominator – the number of adults aged 18 years and over with ADHD who present with symptoms of continuing ADHD.
Data source: Local data collection.
What the quality statement means for different audiences
Service providers ensure that systems are in place for adults who present with symptoms of continuing ADHD to be referred to general adult psychiatric services.
Health and social care practitioners ensure that adults who present with symptoms of continuing ADHD are referred to general adult psychiatric services.
Commissioners ensure they commission general adult psychiatric services for adults who present with symptoms of continuing ADHD.
Adults who had ADHD when they were younger and who still have symptoms of ADHD are referred to general adult psychiatric services.
Source guidance
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline NG87 (2018, updated 2019), recommendation 1.2.11
Definitions of terms used in this quality statement
Symptoms of continuing ADHD for adult referral
Symptoms of ADHD should be associated with at least moderate or severe psychological, social, educational or occupational impairment. [NICE's guideline on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, recommendation 1.2.11]