Clinical utility of administering the WISC-V as standard practice in paediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessments in a public hospital and health system: a rapid review to inform clinical practice

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective The purpose of this rapid review is to appraise the current evidence-base to inform the development of a new assessment and diagnostic pathway for ADHD presentations in a public health paediatric department in Brisbane. We posited that the standardised WISC-V administration in all ADHD presentations regardless of cognitive indication was low-value, inefficient and burdensome for clinicians, children and their families. We wanted to find out if the literature supports this position. Method This review used PRISMA systematic methods to search two relevant databases (PUBMED, and Elsevier (ClinicalKey)). Search terms were used: (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder OR ADHD) AND (children) AND (assessment OR diagnosis) AND (Australia) AND (cognitive proficiency) OR (WISC). Results Search returned 286 full text journal articles, published between 2018 and 2023. Two hundred and sixty-two were removed to irrelevance, adult population, duplications, or focus on other paediatric mental health disorders. Following the application of exclusion criteria, 10 were reviewed at full text and four were ultimately included for contribution to this rapid review. Conclusions Neuropsychological testing if no cognitive query is indicated may confound the findings. This review provided the opportunity to improve clinical efficiency without compromising diagnostic accuracy.