Research to Reality: Applying Findings to Practice

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become increasingly prevalent in the school-age population, and advance practice registered nurses (APRNs) are involved in the assessment and diagnosis of this disorder on a regular basis. The literature indicated that many children with ADHD were not being identified in the primary care setting and that the lack of accurate identification and treatment negatively influenced these children’s long-term outcomes. This study examined the diagnostic practices of APRNs who treated children suspected of having ADHD. Diagnostic methods, the perceived accuracy of the methods, and comfort levels of APRNs in diagnosing and treating children with ADHD also were explored. Questionnaires were mailed to 926 APRNs identified from the Division of Occupational and Professional licensing in the state of Utah. The resulting purposive sample of 526 provided 101 eligible participants. The participants diagnosed and/or treated children with ADHD; the 425 who did not diagnose or treat children with ADHD were excluded from the study. Participants completed a 17-item researcher-developed questionnaire titled ‘‘Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Diagnostic Assessment Methods Utilized in Primary Care.’’ The questionnaire contained three demographic questions, eight nominal questions, three interval questions, and three openended questions. Data were analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Chicago, IL). The majority (58.4%) of the participants were family nurse practitioners. Clinical nurse specialists, pediatric nurse practitioners, adult nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives made up the remainder