Premium
Review: Experiences of healthcare transitions for young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review of qualitative research
Author(s) -
Price Anna,
Janssens Astrid,
Woodley Abigail L.,
Allwood Matt,
Ford Tamsin
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
child and adolescent mental health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 46
eISSN - 1475-3588
pISSN - 1475-357X
DOI - 10.1111/camh.12297
Subject(s) - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , nice , thematic analysis , psychology , psychiatry , mental health , health care , qualitative research , flexibility (engineering) , medicine , social science , statistics , mathematics , sociology , computer science , economics , programming language , economic growth
Background Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Up to two thirds of young people with ADHD may experience symptoms into adulthood, yet the limited literature available suggests that many young people with ongoing needs do not transfer from child to adult healthcare services. Although worldwide and NICE guidelines recognise the importance of supported transition, evidence suggests for ADHD that this is poorly managed and variable. Little is known about how transition is experienced by those involved. We aimed to synthesise existing peer‐reviewed literature to understand views and experiences of young people, carers and clinicians on transitioning between child and adult ADHD services. Method Five databases were searched and all articles published between 2000 and up until January 2017 considered. Four key search areas were targeted; ADHD, Transition, Age and Qualitative Research . Quality appraisal was conducted using Wallace criteria. Findings from included studies were synthesised using thematic analysis. Results Eight papers, six from the UK and one each from Hong Kong and Italy, were included. Emerging themes centred on difficulties transitioning; hurdles that had to be negotiated, limitations of adult mental health services, inadequate care and the impact of transition difficulties. Conclusions Healthcare transition for this group is difficult in the United Kingdom because of multiple challenges in service provision. In addition to recommendations in NICE guidelines, respondents identified a need for better provision of information to young people about adult services and what to expect, greater flexibility around age boundaries and the value of support from specialist adult ADHD services. More research is needed into ADHD healthcare transition experiences, especially in countries outside the United Kingdom, including accounts from carers and clinicians.