An observational study of individual child journeys through autism diagnostic pathways, and associated costs, in the UK National Health Service.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Demand for diagnostic assessment in children with possible autism has recently increased significantly. Services are under pressure to deliver timely and high-quality diagnosis, following National Institute and Care Excellence multidisciplinary assessment guidelines. This UK National Health Service study aimed to answer: how many hours of health professional time are required to deliver autism diagnostic assessment, and how much does this cost?.

Method

Case notes of 20 children (1-16 yrs.) from 27 NHS trusts, assessed through an autism diagnostic pathway in the previous year, were examined retrospectively. Data included: hours of professional time, diagnostic outcome. Assessment costs calculated using standardised NHS tariffs.

Results

488 children (aged 21-

SUBMITTER: Male I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10283036 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature