Courses

Paediatric Cardiac Assessment for ADHD Medication Management

OVERVIEW

This 1 day course is supported by theoretical discussions, followed by a practical examination session and a case study workshop.

Within current national ADHD medication management plans, stimulant medications are most commonly prescribed. These medications work by increasing dopamine and noradrenaline levels within the brain, however they will often require regular dosage adjustments to meet the individual's need depending on response.

Whilst considered appropriate, generally safe and effective medications, as stimulant's these medicines can increase heart rate, blood pressure and lead to occasional palpitations, and in rare cases they trigger arrhythmias or worsen pre-existing structural heart disease.

Although this is low risk and rare, because of these potential effects, cardiovascular assessment is required for all patients prior to starting stimulant medications, to identify potential symptoms or increased risk factors.

Who should attend?
Non-medical prescribers whose role requires prescribing/adjusting ADHD medications for children and young people.

CONTENT

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of stimulant medications commonly used to support ADHD symptoms.

Taking a comprehensive cardiovascular history in children and young people.

The core elements of cardiovascular assessment prior to stimulant prescribing, including normal childhood clinical assessment parameters.

Normal heart sounds and assessment of the heart.

Identification of patients needing referral and further assessment.

AIMS AND OUTCOMES

To equip non-medical prescribers with the knowledge and practical skills required to undertake safe and effective paediatric cardio-respiratory assessments in children and young people receiving ADHD stimulant medications, supporting appropriate prescribing decisions, monitoring, and further assessment referral where indicated.

By the end of the study day, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of commonly prescribed stimulant medications used in the management of ADHD in children and young people.
2. Undertake a comprehensive cardiovascular history relevant to ADHD medication, initiation and ongoing monitoring, including identifying potential risk factors and red flag symptoms.
3. Demonstrate the core components of a paediatric cardiovascular assessment, including measurement and interpretation of normal clinical parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory observations.
4. Recognise normal and abnormal heart sounds and apply appropriate examination techniques when assessing the cardiovascular system in children and young people.
5. Identify children and young people who require further investigation, specialist advice, or referral prior to initiation or continuation of stimulant medication.