Background
In Ireland, adult ADHD is managed exclusively in secondary and tertiary care.
However, unprecedented demand has led to long waiting lists resulting in significant
unmet need. National mental health policy is now advocating a stepped care
approach, with less complex cases managed in general practice, similar to other
chronic mental health conditions. A critical requirement of this is the provision of
appropriate general practitioner (GP) training.
Aim: to develop evidence-based educational modules delivered by the Irish College
of GPs (ICGP) online to enable advanced adult ADHD training for GPs
Methods
Overall approach
ICGP basic (level 1) training: currently under development (GP prescriptions, basic
monitoring)
ICGP advanced training (level 2 and level 3): aimed at GPs who wish to develop
an extended role in adult ADHD and is the focus of this study.
Level 2 training: annual adult ADHD reviews in general practice.
Level 3 training: diagnosis of adult ADHD and medication initiation in a
primary care hub working with other healthcare professionals e.g.
psychology, psychiatry.
Work packages (WP)
WP1
1. Conduct a scoping review of management guidelines for adult ADHD applicable to
general practice
WP2
2. Agree parameters of GP-led adult ADHD care via an e-Delphi consensus involving
relevant clinical, research, PPI and other expert stakeholders
WP3
3. Map curriculum and develop ICGP level 2 training. This will be delivered via the
ICGP blended, modular format for education delivery. This format is popular with GPs; it enables larger numbers to attend as well as the engagement of a range of
subject experts.
4. Map curriculum and identify subject experts for ICGP level 3 training
Conclusion
Adult ADHD management has historically been siloed leading to assessment and
management challenges for patients. This study enable change in care provision and
is fully aligned with national mental health policy.
