ADHD technology trialled by ARC East Midlands recognised in NIHR Annual Report

Recognised for its alignment with the NIHR’s 4I’s (Impact, Inclusion, Innovation and Investment) Framework, the ‘QbTest’ was one of just three ARC projects featured in the esteemed report.

Trialled by the NIHR ARC East Midlands and supported by the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Mental Health (MindTech), the QbTest is a computer-based assessment which measures characteristics of ADHD.

When used alongside existing clinical assessment, the QbTest enables clinicians to reach diagnostic decisions 44 per cent faster, with greater confidence and no loss of accuracy, according to the AQUA-Trial led by Professor Chris Hollis and managed by Dr Charlotte Hall at the NIHR MindTech HealthTech Research Centre. Dr Hall recently won an NIHR Impact Prize for her work on the QbTest.

The pioneering tool was piloted within three mental health trusts by Health Innovation East Midlands, before being rolled out nationally by the wider Health Innovation Network.

The implementation of the QbTest between 2020 and 2025 has saved the NHS roughly £55.9 million and released 132,652 hours of healthcare capacity.

In addition, the test has saved 58,288 clinical appointments and 163,000 children and young people have benefited.

Professor Kamlesh Khunti, Director of NIHR ARC East Midlands, said: “The QbTest has revolutionised ADHD diagnosis for children and young people by offering an objective assessment tool that measures all three core components.  

“Made possible through the collaboration in the East Midlands, this innovation has significantly reduced the time to diagnosis, providing families with quicker and more accurate assessments.”

He added: “This is a clear example of how partnership-driven innovation can lead to more efficient and effective healthcare solutions.”

The NIHR Annual Report is available here - https://www.nihr.ac.uk/about-us/who-we-are/reports-and-performance/annual-report-202425