A new study cautions against using the QbTest as a standalone diagnostic or screening tool for ADHD.
Rather, the study authors highlight the intended use of the QbTest as a component of a full clinical assessment, since it could help clinicians reach faster diagnostic decisions and reduce waiting lists.
Researchers from the Universities of Southampton, Nottingham, Cardiff, and King’s College London explored the accuracy and clinical utility of a widely used computerised test for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), called the QbTest. They found that, when used on its own, QbTest is not good enough to diagnose ADHD.
This research, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical utility and accuracy of the QbTest, which is used in some NHS services across the UK and internationally.
The test has been approved by NICE in the UK and the FDA in the United States as a tool to support clinical decision making. However, the QbTest is sometimes presented to parents of children referred for ADHD assessment as a “screening tool”, which is not in line with its approved regulations.
“Our review found that only some studies conducted on QbTest are of high quality”, says Dr Alessio Bellato, from the University of Southampton, co-lead author of the research. “Most studies investigated the QbTest as a standalone diagnostic tool, which is not its intended use. When used in this way, it is not sufficiently accurate to differentiate between those that have the condition and those that do not. Considering that – when used appropriately – QbTest could help clinicians reach faster diagnostic decisions, more rigorous research is urgently needed. Importantly, NICE is currently reviewing QbTest for the diagnosis and management of ADHD and will have access to this research.”
