Implementation of a practice development model to reduce the wait for Autism Spectrum diagnosis in adults

Rutherford, Marion, Forsyth, Kirsty, McKenzie, Karen, Murray, Aja, McCarthy, Deborah, O'Hare, Anne, McClure, Iain and Irvine, Linda (2018) Implementation of a practice development model to reduce the wait for Autism Spectrum diagnosis in adults. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48 (8). pp. 2677-2691. ISSN 0162-3257

Preview	Text Practice development model.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. Download (988kB) | Preview
	Text ASD_wait_implementation_study.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (182kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

This study examined waiting times for diagnostic assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder in 11 adult services, prior to and following the implementation of a 12 month change program. Methods to support change are reported and a multi-level modelling approach determined the effect of the change program on overall wait times. Results were statistically significant (b = − 0.25, t(136) = − 2.88, p = 0.005). The average time individuals waited for diagnosis across all services reduced from 149.4 days prior to the change program and 119.5 days after it, with an average reduction of 29.9 days overall. This innovative intervention provides a promising framework for service improvement to reduce the wait for diagnostic assessment of ASD in adults across the range of spectrum presentations.

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads