The clinical utility of QbTest in supporting the assessment and monitoring of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): what do paediatricians need to know?

The assessment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) typically relies on subjective observer reports from parents, teachers, or the young person, combined with clinical observation and history. Children and young people can often experience lengthy delays to assessment and medication initiation resulting from conflicting or missing observer reports and diagnostic uncertainty. However, more recently, a computerised test of attention, impulsivity and activity (QbTest) has been implemented as an adjunct to standard clinical practice, with the aim to provide a more objective measure of ADHD symptoms. Here, we discuss the evidence for the clinical utility of QbTest to aid in the assessment and monitoring of ADHD. Drawing on key literature and real-world case studies, we show the potential benefits that QbTest may have in creating service efficiencies for ADHD care, but also note limitations in diagnostic accuracy, importantly demonstrating that QbTest should supplement and not replace standard care. We review key barriers and facilitators to implementation, to aid decision making and planning in how to integrate QbTest in paediatric services.