Co-development, initial evaluation and implementation of a digital health intervention (SmartADHD) for young people (aged 16-30) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, including optimisation for sustainable delivery via health and social care settings: protocol for a mixed-methods study.

INTRODUCTION

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting 5–7% of children/adolescents and 2–5% of adults. It is characterised by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, impacting functioning across multiple domains with linked social and economic burden. Despite effective treatments that reduce the risk of negative outcomes, the UK is currently failing to provide equitable access to healthcare for people with ADHD. Young people with ADHD are at a vulnerable life-stage, facing multiple transitions such as moving educational settings, starting work or leaving home. They frequently experience barriers to accessing care, including unsupported healthcare transitions, service gaps and attentional/organisational difficulties. A co-developed digital health application (app) could provide cost-effective psychoeducation and self-management tools for young people aged 16–30. This includes support at key times when standard services may not be available, providing trusted healthcare information and helping them to navigate care pathways, ‘wait well’ for referral/assessment or their next appointment and manage this long-term condition. This mixed-methods study aims to co-develop, initially evaluate and plan the implementation of a digital health intervention (the SmartADHD app) for young people with ADHD.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This mixed methods research will follow the Person-Based Approach to co-develop, iteratively adapt and feasibility test a prototype digital health intervention, informed by a critical realist stance. An interdisciplinary team, comprising experts by lived experience, health and social care professionals and digital experts, will follow co-production and engagement methodologies to develop theory, prioritise content and co-design a simple prototype (V. 0). Work Package 1 will trial and refine the prototype with 20 young people via community settings to establish usability and acceptability (V.1). Work Package 2 will feasibility test the refined prototype with 30 young people and eight healthcare professionals in National Health Service (NHS) settings (V.2). Data will be collected via think-aloud interviews, semi-structured interviews and pre- and post-surveys to iteratively improve and initially evaluate the prototype. Concurrent workstreams will explore economic models for long-term NHS implementation and address digital inclusion.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol has been approved by the Yorkshire and The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee (26/YH/0101). Recruitment will commence in September 2026. Young people with lived experience of ADHD will be actively involved as co-authors and co-presenters in communicating outputs. All participants will provide informed consent prior to participation. Findings will be disseminated via research articles in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, public involvement events, patient groups and media releases. A summary of study findings will be shared with participants at the end of the study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN26360329.