Exploring the Decisional needs of Parents with Children with ADHD and Disruptive and Aggressive Behaviour

Objective: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the decisional needs of parents of children with ADHD and disruptive and aggressive behaviour to inform the creation of a patient decision aid. Method: A one-day meeting of researchers, community advocacy partners, and 11 parents of children (age range eight to 21) with aggressive and disruptive behaviour associated with a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Conduct Disorder was held. This meeting consisted of a two-hour educational session on the assessment and management of aggressive and disruptive behaviour in children and patient decision aids, followed by two concurrent focus groups to determine the decisional needs of parents. NVivo11 software was used for the organization of the data. Results: The results outline the broad themes and subthemes that emerged from the thematic analysis. These themes and subthemes include (a) decisional needs - treatment options and where to begin, availability, effectiveness of different treatment options, side effects, time, depth of information provided; (b) decision aid formats, and (c) accessibility - language, involvement of children, and dissemination. Conclusion: The themes generated from the focus groups suggest that a patient decision aid for parents with children with ADHD and disruptive and aggressive behaviour should follow the general recommendations for best practices for the creation of patient decision aids. Specific information on the regional availability of non-medical treatments will be especially helpful for parents to navigate services and service providers. Consideration should be given as to how the concept of values clarification is introduced to families.