National Institute for Clinical Excellence publishes Medical Innovation Briefing appraising QbTest

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published a Medical Innovation Briefing (MIB) highlighting the benefits of objective testing technology (QbTest) when used as part of a comprehensive ADHD assessment.

QbTest has been part of the AHSN Network’s Focus ADHD programme since 2020 to help improve diagnoses for ADHD in young people. Prior to this, the test was the focus of a real world evaluation study in 2017 in the East Midlands AHSN (EMAHSN). The success of which, led to it being made a national programme and being rolled out across England. It is currently being used in 66 trusts across 133 NHS services and has delivered over 50,000 tests since the national programme launched.

Medical Innovation Briefings (MIB) are NICE advice, designed to support NHS and social care commissioners and staff who are considering using new medical devices and other medical or diagnostic technologies.

The team at NICE reviewed the EMAHSN evidence base as well as wider research and spoke to national experts as well as Qbtech Ltd to compile their MIB.

Key findings include:

• Experts recognise QbTest as an addition to routine clinical assessment of ADHD
• The NICE evidence review and ADHD experts confirm that QbTest helps clinicians make accurate decisions, saving time and money
• NICE reports reduced ADHD waiting list achieved through the use of QbTest

Nicole McGlennon, Managing Director of the EMAHSN said: “The three-year national AHSN Network Focus ADHD programme comes to an end in March 2023, so to receive this positive review from NICE in these closing stages is fantastic news. It gives further weight to the evidence we have collated over the years and means the improvements seen by the programme over the last few years will continue to be delivered for patients.”

Dr Venkat Reddy, Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician, National Clinical Advisor - Focus ADHD Programme, and Officer for Digital Health and Technology, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said, “This report reflects the efforts of both Qbtech and all involved in assessing this technology. All our experts agreed that QbTest’s benefits create more efficiency in the pathway to care.”

“Receiving praise from the NICE MIB report is a testament to the entire Qbtech team and the tangible benefits of our objective testing technology,” says Tony Doyle, Commercial Director, Qbtech. “When used in conjunction with other clinical measures, QbTest is the ‘gold standard’ to create a more effective and efficient diagnostic and treatment process. We are very grateful for the partnership we have had since 2020 with The AHSN Network and we hope this report encourages further adoption of objective testing in clinical practice in the UK, the USA and across our territories globally.”