Natalia Y. Loskutova, MD, PhD; Cory B. Lutgen; Elisabeth F. Callen, PhD, GStat; Melissa K. Filippi, PhD, MPH; Elise A. Robertson, MA
Corresponding Author: Natalia Y. Loskutova, MD, PhD; American Academy of Family Physicians. Email: nloskutova@hotmail.com
Section: Original Research
Publication Date: July 23, 2021
Introduction: Approximately 5% of the US adult population has ADHD that can negatively impact quality of life. Healthcare professionals report a need to increase their knowledge of and confidence in treating adult ADHD. The American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network (AAFP NRN) collaborated with a panel of experts to create a web-based AAFP Adult ADHD Toolkit composed of resources to aid in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of adults with ADHD. Objectives: Assess the impact of utilizing an AAFP Adult ADHD Toolkit in a practice setting. Methods: Ninety-seven primary and behavioral healthcare professionals from AAFP NRN practices (n=6) used the Toolkit for 17 weeks. Data on Toolkit use, usefulness, implementation, impact, and changes in knowledge and confidence were collected via pre-post and weekly surveys. Mixed methods, regression analyses, t-tests, and mixed ANOVA were used to assess change over time. Results: Use of the Toolkit improved health care providers’ knowledge by midpoint relative to baseline in areas related to treatment effects, side effects and outcomes (3.6 vs. 3.0; p = 0.004); existing ADHD resources (3.3 vs. 2.9; p = 0.03); and management of ADHD in patients with co-morbid conditions (3.2 vs. 2.7; p = 0.01). By the end of study, Toolkit use was associated with increased confidence in mental health and life history interview techniques (3.5 vs. 3.0; p = 0.03); treatment options for ADHD with comorbid mental health disorders (3.2 vs 2.3; p < 0.001); and treatment options for ADHD with co-existing substance use disorders (3.0 vs. 2.3; p = 0.003). By the end of study, a majority of participants (n=47, 87%) reported the Toolkit addressed most of their needs related to diagnosis, treatment, and management of adult ADHD. Conclusion: Availability and adoption of the Toolkit into routine care of adults with ADHD measurably increased health care professionals’ knowledge especially in those providers who regularly see adult patients with ADHD.