Effectiveness of collaborative tele-mental health care for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. Accessing services for this disorder is a worldwide challenge and requires innovative interventions.

Aims: We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of tele-collaborative care for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in primary health care centres in Dubai.

Methods: Six trained physicians started collaborative care clinics across Dubai. Eligible children aged 6–12 years attending primary health care centres with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were randomly selected to receive telehealth collaborative care, or standard treatment. Baseline assessments were conducted using the Vanderbilt Behavioral Assessment Scale, the Columbia Impairment Scale, the Childhood Behavior Checklist, and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Waiting times and clinical and functional outcomes were measured in both groups and compared. Continuous variables were presented as means and standard deviations, categorical variables such as sex were presented as numbers and percentages, and continuous outcome variables were compared using the Student t-test.

Results: Among the referred children (n = 112), 11 boys and 6 girls met the eligibility criteria (mean age 7.8 years). The dropout rate at 6 months in the control group was 80%, compared with 50% in the intervention group. The mean waiting time was significantly shorter in the intervention group (1.3 weeks) than the control group (7.1 weeks); P = 0.026. The mean difference in the Childhood Behavior Checklist total score over time was significantly higher in the intervention group (P = 0.042), but the mean difference in the Vanderbilt scale was not significant.

Conclusion: Tele-collaborative care for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder within primary health care is feasible.