Situation

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), with its many co–existing developmental disorders and difficulties, is the central healthcare problem in child and adolescent psychiatry and has a high societal impact.

However, ADHD can be considered a controversial diagnosis in many European countries, with varying levels of awareness and acceptance. This has been reflected in a general lack of up-to-date professional knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. It has also been associated with limited access to behavioural and pharmacological treatments, leading to poor outcomes for many patients.

Our business challenge was to advance the awareness, acceptance, diagnosis and treatment of patients with ADHD across Europe through dissemination of the full range of current evidence-based knowledge and experience of the disease and its associated problems.

Solution

We established a European Interdisciplinary Network for ADHD Quality assurance (EINAQ). A range of materials were developed and a faculty of experts established to offer harmonized educational offerings on ADHD and its associated problems throughout Europe. Further reach was achieved through development of a dedicated website - einaq.fortispharma.eu/– together with congress symposia, educational exhibition stands and interactive learning experiences. 

Results

Since its launch in 2003, EINAQ has become recognized as an invaluable resource for education in ADHD management. It was rated as the second most influential ADHD resource by Italian physicians. Attitudes to ADHD are now changing and we believe that EINAQ has been instrumental in achieving this change.