Feasibility of Effective, Fast, Efficient, Clinical Tools (EFECT)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility of Effective, Fast, Efficient Clinical Tools (EFECT)
IRAS ID
356425
Contact name
Claire Davidson-Jamieson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS GG&C Research and Innovation (R&I)
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 4 days
Research summary
Waiting lists for child assessment of neurodevelopmental conditions i.e. autism, ADHD etc are extensive. Evidence shows if children have one neurodevelopmental condition, they will be more likely to have others i.e. autism+ADHD, yet services often assess only one condition at a time. We aim to explore feasibility of clinicians using digital tools to gather information from parents, as part of neurodevelopmental (ND) assessment. Digital tools may be more efficient. They can help gather information about the child’s whole neurodevelopmental profile, and multiple areas of concern, at once, instead of multiple questionnaires at different times. Gathering information on the child’s whole neurodevelopmental profile at once may reduce missed opportunities for support, which significantly contribute to waiting lists. But we don’t know if/how digital tools are best used in clinical practice, so we need to first ask clinicians in the field. This is a multi-site study; in one English site, the opinions of clinicians conducting ND assessment will be sought regarding the opportunities and barriers to using a digital tool. In two Scottish sites, similar opinions will be sought and then 4 teams of clinicians will use a digital tool called ESSENCE-D, which has been designed to aid information gathering about the child’s whole neurodevelopmental profile/possible neurodevelopmental divergences. ESSENCE-D consists of questions from validated tools and asks the questions clinicians would ask parents routinely. It is NOT a diagnostic tool and all diagnostic decisions are still made by clinical judgement. The study aims to understand, using qualitative interviews, from a clinician’s perspective what is helpful, what is a barrier and where in the assessment process digital tools are best used. Parents/caregivers who answer the questions via ESSENCE-D will be surveyed to understand their experiences. A Family Link Worker will support 2/4 teams, to determine if this resource supports use of digital tools.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
25/NS/0072
Date of REC Opinion
24 Jul 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion