The co-design of a psychoeducational tool for children and young people with ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The effects of ADHD can impact on the individual, their family and community.

Evidence supports a multimodal approach to ADHD management. This involves pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions that incorporate psychoeducation specifically aimed for children and young people (CAYP). Although this approach is recommended in various clinical guidelines internationally, it is yet to be incorporated into UK ADHD clinical guidelines.

There is a paucity of psychoeducational material available for CAYP. In addition, nonpharmacological interventions for CAYP with ADHD are often not suitable or designed appropriately. Therefore, this is a promising opportunity for co-designing materials with CAYP, as co-designed interventions are reported to be more likely to be accepted by end users, resulting in better suitability, engagement and subsequent effectiveness.

This project adopted innovative methodologies to co-design a psychoeducational tool (a magazine) for primary aged CAYP with ADHD. To establish the clinical need for the tool and what it should contain we conducted focus groups, interviews and co-design workshops with specialist ADHD clinicians, parents/carers and CAYP with ADHD. Thematic analyses found the content for the magazine should include information such as what ADHD is, how it affects CAYP, how to explain ADHD to friends and family and how it affects CAYP in adulthood.

Age appropriate, short and varied tasks engaged CAYP with ADHD during the workshops. This, coupled with parent/carer and clinical involvement through the co-design process, provided a valuable insight into the requirements for a complex intervention for a complex condition, which may result in better acceptance and future impact.