Brisbane's Paediatric ADHD Collaborative Care Pathway has launched
Members of the Brisbane ADHD Collaborative Reference Group
The Brisbane Paediatric ADHD Collaborative Care Pathway was launched to an audience of 86 GPs at an event hosted by Brisbane South PHN, Brisbane North PHN and Metro South Health at Victoria Park in early May. With more children needing assessment and care for ADHD than can be managed by the number of available paediatricians, the new collaborative care pathway supports GPs to play a greater role in the assessment and treatment of paediatric ADHD by providing GPs with in-consult tools and resources, and access to paediatrician support where needed.
Metro south Health reports the Pathway has received positive feedback from local GPs, with some GPs noting that it has given them greater confidence to continue care for ADHD patients returning from the paediatrician with the additional support provided by the Request for Advice service and the updated guidance found in HealthPathways.
What is the ADHD Collaborative Care Pathway?
Developed in partnership with GPs, paediatricians and consumers with lived ADHD experience, the pathway offers a consistent, Brisbane-wide approach to managing ADHD in children and young people.
Eligible patients may follow one of 2 supported models:
Extended review – paediatricians continue to review the child periodically with GPs managing care and prescribing in between appointments.
Supported Discharge - the child's ongoing ADHD care is transitioned to the GP with access to specialist advice if needed.
What support is available for GPs?
HealthPathways
The ADHD in children and youth HealthPathway has been updated in line with the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) Clinical Guidelines and the Prescribing Guide for ADHD. The HealthPathway is structured for quick access to practical topics including:
what to monitor at regular reviews
switching from short-acting to long-acting stimulants
troubleshooting common issues such as sleep.
Request for Advice
Need input from a paediatrician? Submit a clinical question to the hospital where the child is known for ADHD via GP smart referrals ‘Request for Advice’. A written response from a paediatrician will be returned within 5 business days, which is saved into both the GP practice software and hospital medical records.
Currently this is active for Logan Hospital and Redcliffe Hospital. Children’s Hospital Queensland (CHQ) will be active very soon, and other paediatric facilities to follow.
Re-entry
If Metro South Health are unable to assist via Request for Advice and the child needs to return to paediatric care, local processes ensure that they won't go to the back of the queue.
Clinical handover
GPs will receive personalised clinical handover with guidance and links to available supports.
Patient information
Families receive a take home resource explaining the pathway and their responsibilities, helping reinforce timely visits with primary care.
Missed the event?
If you’d like to attend a future session, email Metro South Health to register your interest via mshstrategicpartnerships@health.qld.gov.au.