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ADHD Aftercare : the clients' perspective

Wel, H. van der (2017) ADHD Aftercare : the clients' perspective.

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Abstract:Background: ADHD is a frequent disorder, characterized by a persisting pattern of inattention/hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning and development. When left untreated, it can pose a burden on children, their families and their community. Adequate treatment and monitoring of ADHD is essential for the wellbeing of patients. As of 2015, a change in the Dutch law means that the responsibility for the ADHD care for children has been shifted from the central government to municipalities. As a result, municipalities are looking into new ways to provide effective and efficient ADHD care. When formulating how to provide healthcare, the patients must be involved and the patient experiences can help to improve healthcare. However, no research of the patients experience with the current provision of ADHD aftercare could be found. Objective: The objective of this research is to investigate what the needs and preferences of the parents of young patients are concerning ADHD aftercare, and what strengths and weaknesses the parents of young patients experience in the current organization of ADHD aftercare. Method: A qualitative approach was used, using semi-structured interviews. The research was carried out in the Dutch municipality of Enschede. The parents of children aged from 6 up until 11 with ADHD were considered for inclusion. The interviews were analysed using open-coding thematic analysis. Main themes and subthemes identified were used to reflect the needs and preferences of the interviewed parents. The World Health Organizations’ responsiveness framework was used to describe the experienced strengths and weaknesses. Results: Four themes reflecting the needs and preferences of the parents were identified: Communication: Parents have a need for the provision of information and feedback. Patient-centred approach: Parents are looking for a patient-centred approach, with individual attention for their child. Division of tasks: Parents regard the division of tasks as an important topic; they want an elaborate part in the aftercare for themselves as parents and mention the importance of the role the school can have. Request for help for the parents: There is a request for help for the parents themselves, as they seek support and guidance from the healthcare providers for themselves. Regarding the experienced strengths and weaknesses, it was found that in the current organization limited involvement of the parents is seen as a weakness, as is a limited amount of feedback towards the parents is a weakness. Strengths of the current organization are prompt attention given to concerns, and an good environment of trust and confidentiality. Conclusion: This research found parents’ needs and preferences concerning ADHD aftercare, which can be used to take the clients’ perspective into account when considering how ADHD aftercare should be provided. Furthermore, knowledge about the found strengths and weaknesses experienced in the current organization of ADHD aftercare can help improve the organization of ADHD aftercare.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:TNW: Science and Technology
Subject:44 medicine
Programme:Health Sciences MSc (66851)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/74081
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