ADHD services face questions about waiting times, assessment consistency and how best to use clinical capacity. In the original interview, Qbtech UK account director Jo Barosa described how objective testing could contribute to that work alongside clinical assessment.
What the test adds
QbTest provides measurements relating to core ADHD symptoms and compares results with an age- and gender-matched reference database. The interview described the system as NICE-recommended, FDA-cleared and CE-marked. Its role was presented as supplying additional information for clinicians, including a way to reduce differences between assessors.
Introducing a tool into services
Qbtech's work through the NHS England-sponsored Focus ADHD programme involved all 15 Health Innovation Networks. The account reported benefits for more than 77,000 children and young people, building on an East Midlands demonstrator project. Training and continuing contact with clinical advisers formed part of implementation.
Evidence and partnership
Barosa described early reluctance to adopt unfamiliar approaches and the importance of research in building confidence. The interview reported more than 20 years of company experience and a presence in nearly 80% of NHS trusts at that time. Partnerships included the Institute of Mental Health, the ADHD Foundation and NHS England.
Learning from the implementation experience
After 13 years in her role, Barosa highlighted patient and clinician feedback as a particularly rewarding part of the work. Her advice to innovators focused on persistence, investment in research and collaboration. The account presents a service-development perspective; its historical adoption figures should not be read as a current directory of availability.
