‘A CAUTIOUS HOPE’ – MULTIDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVES ON CHANGE MANAGING NEW GUIDELINES FOR ADULTS WITH ADHD IN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

The Model of Care for ADHD in Ireland (MoC) (2021) endeavours to standardise assessment and therapeutic care protocols for adults with ADHD. According to the MoC, adult mental health teams (AMHTs) are responsible for screening potential ADHD diagnoses, with subsequent care guided by the screening outcomes. In this study, 18 members of AMHTs working in an area in Munster completed an online survey related to their experiences of their working with adults diagnosed or suspected of having ADHD, as well as their perceptions of the new MoC. We used a qualitative methodology employing thematic analysis, to construct three overarching themes: (i) ‘capacity fears’, (ii) ‘a “mixed bag” of experiences and approaches and a need for standardisation’ and (iii) ‘having an “open-mind”’. An underpinning theme was constructed: ‘a cautious hope’. Participants expressed hope for the MoC but emphasised that its success would require training and resources for staff. The study’s findings regarding capacity fears, varying professional experiences with adult ADHD and the need for standardised care, suggest that there are capacity gaps which need to be bridged. However, the professionals' cautious hope implies that they believe the MoC has the potential to bridge these gaps if accompanied by adequate training and resources. In this scenario, staff members are likely to welcome the change.