NEWS
ADHD DIGITAL TEST APPROVED FOR USE BY THE NHS FOR DIAGNOSIS IN CHILDREN
After successful trials by the NIHR , the NHS is now using a digital test to speed up the diagnosis of attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) in children .
In July 2024 , the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ( NICE ) issued draft guidance approving the use of the QbTest by psychiatrists and specialist children ’ s doctors to help diagnose ADHD in children and young people . The computerised test improves and speeds up assessments when used alongside existing methods and could save the NHS money .
Diagnosis is complex because the feedback is subjective and can be contradictory . Children in the UK wait 18 months on average to get a diagnosis .
Over 20 minutes the child responds to target stimuli while ignoring other stimuli . A camera tracks the movements of a marker attached to the patient ’ s head . The results are then compared to a group of children of the same age and gender who do not have ADHD . The results help clinicians reach a diagnosis .
The NIHR funded and supported the research , which NICE reviewed as part of the process of recommending the QbTest . The research was possible because of the people , infrastructure and facilities which benefit from underlying support from the NIHR .
Mark Chapman , Director of HealthTech at NICE , said : “ Evidence presented to our committee showed the QbTest could increase the number of children and young people who get a diagnostic decision within six months of starting assessment .”
GROWING PATIENT ROADSHOW HOSTED BY ALIGN TECHNOLOGY AIMS TO ACCELERATE DENTAL CARE FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS ACROSS MIDDLE EAST
Align Technology , a leading global medical device company that designs , manufactures and sells the Invisalign system of clear aligners , iTero intraoral scanners and exocad CAD / CAM software for digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry , recently concluded the second phase of its Growing Patients Roadshow in the Middle East . This series of specialised education events , aimed at elevating dental care for children and teens and improving practice efficiencies took place from May 30 to June 2 , in Riyadh , Jeddah , Kuwait City and Dubai . Over 200 dental professionals attended the event series held across the Middle East , attracting participants who are already certified as an Invisalign providers .
The most recent instalment of the Growing Patients Roadshow centred on leveraging the Align Digital Workflow to accelerate practices in treating growing patients , follows the recent publication of a research paper by Align Technology . The white paper focused on the treatment of teens with clear aligners , titled ‘ Insights into the growing patient dental journey and the growing patient dental market in KSA & UAE ’, illuminated key trends influencing patient preferences , the crucial role of orthodontists in both the decision and treatment process , and the expanding market for clear aligner treatment among growing patients . Paired with the Growing Patient Roadshow series , Align Technology aims to empower dental professionals across the Middle East to elevate the way treatment is delivered for child and teen patients , ensuring a comprehensive approach is delivered to enhance the overall patient experience and clinical outcome .
Markus Sebastian , Senior Vice President , EEMA , Align Technology , said , “ The Growing Patients Roadshow series underscores our commitment to supporting orthodontists in their mission to provide optimal care for young patients . Our digital platform not only enhances clinical outcomes but also streamlines workflows , making it easier for practices to manage the unique needs of their younger patients . We are excited to see the positive impact this can have .
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