Web-based assistance for physicians caring for children with ADHD.

CONTEXT: The clinical management of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) requires measurement of behavioral outcomes at home and at school. This information is difficult to obtain. GENERAL QUESTION: Could a Web site that facilitates exchange of information between parents, teachers, and health care professionals improve behavioral outcomes for children with ADHD? SPECIFIC RESEARCH CHALLENGE: Designing a pragmatic intervention and evaluation strategy. PROPOSED APPROACH: Establish a secure Web site to share observations on a child with ADHD. Access to a child's electronic record will be limited to team members defined by the parents. The record will contain documentation of consent for team members to communicate both diagnostic and treatment information. The record will feature two methods of communication: 1) the ability to input and graphically view structured behavioral questionnaire data that measure levels of attention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, and 2) an electronic bulletin board that allows users to post and respond to text messages that specifically describe behavior. The Web site would be tested in a randomized trial. UNANSWERED QUESTIONS: Given its complexity, which part of the intervention should be isolated for study? What is the appropriate unit of analysis (individual, practice, or school)? Can an unbiased assessment of behavior be obtained when parents and teachers are not blinded to intervention status?

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes