Automated HealthTracker Triage for Neurodevelopmental Paediatrics
Research type
Research Study
Full title
NIHR502991 – Automated HealthTracker Triage System for Neurodevelopmental Paediatrics to Improve Waiting Times
IRAS ID
366109
Contact name
Paramala Santosh
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
HealthTracker Ltd
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Children with suspected neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism or ADHD in the UK often face assessment and treatment waits exceeding a year. These long delays can worsen symptoms, increase family stress, and lead to avoidable crises. A major cause is the absence of an effective triage system—referrals are typically managed in order of arrival rather than according to clinical urgency.
To address this, a new project within an NHS Neurodevelopmental Paediatrics service will trial a digital triage system using HealthTracker™, a platform already used in child health services. The system aims to prioritise children based on the severity of their symptoms while providing ongoing monitoring and support during the wait for assessment.
Upon referral, families—and where possible, children and teachers—complete online questionnaires through HealthTracker™ assessing symptoms related to ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism traits, and self-harm. An automated algorithm then assigns a priority level (e.g., urgent or routine) and flags major risks such as suicidality for immediate clinical review. Clinicians receive a visual dashboard summarising each child’s symptom profile and risk factors, supporting faster and more informed decision-making. Families are re-assessed every three months to detect changes in severity and are given access to supportive resources.
The 12-month project will include around 250 previously assessed patients and 500 new referrals over nine months. Researchers will compare waiting times, triage accuracy, clinician workload, and satisfaction levels among families and staff between the digital and traditional systems.
Early feedback from parents has been positive, suggesting the system could improve efficiency, shorten waits—especially for high-risk children—and optimise NHS resources. If successful, this scalable triage model could be expanded to other services nationwide, helping to create a fairer, faster, and more responsive pathway for children with neurodevelopmental needs.
REC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/EM/0099
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion