The relation between practice that is consistent with NICE guideline 142 recommendations and waiting times within Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnostic services

Abstract

Background

This study explores the extent to which recommendations from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) 142 guidelines, section 9.2 (relating to identification, assessment and diagnosis) reflected existing routine clinical practice in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosing services in Scotland; and whether there was a significant relation between routine practice which more closely reflected these recommendations and waiting times.

Method

A cross-sectional, retrospective case note analysis of recently diagnosed adults, in eight ASD services across Scotland.

Results

The study found that the existing practice of the participating services was consistent with 14 (maximum number) of the included recommendations in at least half of cases analysed (range 37-70 cases) and was not related to increased total waiting time for diagnosis.

Conclusion

The results, based only on the included recommendations, suggest that the section 9.2 recommendations can be integrated into clinical practice in Scotland with relative ease and that it is unlikely to have a negative impact on waiting times.