Improving Teacher and Parent Input Through Text/Email Reminders for Patients with ADHD

Abstract

PURPOSE: This project aimed to increase feedback from teachers and parents of patients ages 5-12 with diagnosed ADHD to at least once per year from less than 5% of patients to 40% of patients with an ADHD diagnosis, by May 2024. METHODS: Fifty patients diagnosed with ADHD ages 5-12 with a Child Health and Development Interactive System (CHADIS) account were selected for the study. Parents of the patients were sent 2 reminders, 5 weeks apart to their preferred form of communication, text or email, for them to complete a Vanderbilt Parent Rating Scale and invite their child’s teacher to complete a Vanderbilt Teacher Rating Scale. Chart review was performed to analyze data comparing completion of Vanderbilt Parent and Teacher Rating Scales pre-intervention (01/22/2023 – 04/26/2024) and post-intervention (01/22/2023 – 04/26/2024). Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: Vanderbilt Parent Rating Scale completion increased from 4% per-intervention to 43% post-intervention. Vanderbilt Teacher Rating Scale completion increased from 0% per-intervention to 11% post-intervention. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Seven million (11.4%) U.S. Children aged 3-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. Improper or untreated ADHD increases the risk for other mental health issues, school dropout, poor job security, incarceration, and drug abuse. Parent and teacher feedback through screening tools on symptoms provides valuable information during the treatment process. Using the CHADIS system to send reminders to parents to complete a Vanderbilt Rating Scales will increase feedback from parents and teachers to improve treatment and outcomes of patients with ADHD.