What adults with ADHD want to know: A Delphi consensus study on the psychoeducational needs of experts by experience

Abstract

Introduction A lack of knowledge about attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can contribute to feelings of distress and difficulty in seeking and accepting an ADHD diagnosis. The present study uses a Delphi consensus design to investigate the psychoeducational needs of adults with ADHD and the information about ADHD they would like included in digital health interventions for adults with ADHD. Inclusion of perspectives of service users in developing such interventions ensures that they are evidence based and addresses the risks of engagement barriers. Methods The expert panel consisted of 43 adults with ADHD (age range: 23–67 years). Panel members were asked to rate the importance of the proposed topics and provide additional suggestions. Suggested topics and topics that did not achieve consensus were included for ranking in the second round. Results Interquartile ratings were used to determine consensus. A high consensus was achieved in both rounds, with an agreement on 94% of topics in the first round and 98% in the second round. Most topics were rated as important or essential. Conclusions The findings highlighted that adults with ADHD want to learn about many different aspects of ADHD and the importance of considering their perspectives when developing psychosocial interventions. Findings can be applied when creating psychoeducational content for adult ADHD. Patient or Public Contribution Adults with ADHD were recruited to the Delphi panel to use an experts‐by‐experience approach. In doing so, we are engaging service users in the development of a psychoeducational smartphone app. The evaluation of the app will involve interviews with app users. Additionally, the present study was developed and conducted with ADHD Ireland, a charity based in Ireland that advocates for people with ADHD.

Chatbot-supported psychoeducation in adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: randomised controlled trial

“…The psychoeducation content of both interventions was based on a validated manual, 34 and consisted of eight separate modules that contained a comprehensive summary of the psychoeducation content, assignments and a content quiz. In line with a recent Delphi consensus study on digital psychoeducation for adult ADHD, 35 a comprehensive summary on various aspects of ADHD was implemented, including multiple illustrations to facilitate understanding. The following topics were addressed: basic information about ADHD, personal resources, mindfulness and attention control, self-organisation, stress management, mood regulation and impulsive behaviour control, relationships and a final evaluation.…”

Evolving Adult ADHD Care: Preparatory Evaluation of a Prototype Digital Service Model Innovation for ADHD Care

“…Scant research exists on the needs and perspectives of adult Australian ADHD consumers and health professionals regarding the potential contribution of mHealth interventions for clinical adult ADHD care. Globally, a small number of feasibility studies on mobile lifestyle aids and psychoeducation supports have concluded that there is a significant demand for such apps when they are designed optimally and in collaboration with participants [38,39]. Additionally, a handful of random control trials have concluded that on-demand psychoeducation is more effective when delivered by a smartphone rather than traditional brochures [40].…”