An academic from the University of Nottingham has been awarded one of the first ever NIHR Impact Prizes, which recognise major improvements in health over the last two decades, driven by research and scientific advances.
Dr Charlotte Hall, from the School of Medicine, was awarded one of five early-career researcher awards for research that shows how using a computer assessment tool can increase the speed and efficiency of ADHD assessment for children and young people.
The awards have been given to researchers and teams who have had a major impact on the health and wealth of the nation, and globally. They celebrate researchers who have maximised the impact of their research by improving people's lives or promoting economic growth.
Dr Hall reflected on the team effort that contributed to such an impactful project:
"I'm delighted to have won this prestigious award which reflects the work on an entire team at MindTech, led by Professor Chris Hollis and Dr Jen Martin and the ARC East Midlands mental health theme led by Professor Richard Morriss as well as Health Innovation East Midlands.
QBtech, as a commercial company, were brave to open their product to independent evaluation and it's rewarding to see the benefits. It's fantastic to be the first early career researcher to win this new award with my contribution to this project receiving recognition from the NIHR and giving a continued national profile for children and young people's mental health research."
Researchers on the NIHR funded AQUA trial found that integrating a computerised assessment tool (QbTest) into the standard ADHD assessment reduced the number of clinician appointments, made ADHD diagnostic decisions faster, and was well received by patients and their families. QbTest is now recommended by NICE is being used widely across the NHS.
The study received NIHR funding and support from the NIHR MindTech HealthTech Research Centre and previous versions of this service; NIHR Applied Research Collaboration East Midlands and its predecessor scheme NIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care East Midlands; NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre and nominee holds an NIHR Development and Skills Enhancement Award.
The judging panel commented: "An impressive range of national impact including adoption into NICE guidelines and significant cost savings for the NHS."
Professor Chris Hollis, Director of MindTech and Chief Investigator on the AQUA trial, commented, "Dr Hall's demonstrated outstanding leadership in the delivery of the AQUA trial and its subsequent implementation has been pivotal in supporting NICE's recommendation for QbTest. Charlotte's contributions have driven efficiencies and reduced delays in ADHD diagnostic assessments, making a real difference in the lives of children and young people. All winners demonstrate an incredible dedication to maximising the impact of their research and illustrate how NIHR research saves lives and improves the quality of life of the public."
Professor Kamlesh Khunti, Director of NIHR ARC East Midlands, said: "We are immensely proud of Dr Hall for receiving the NIHR Impact Prize — a well-earned recognition of her dedication and groundbreaking research. Her leadership in the AQUA-Trial, funded by NIHR ARC East Midlands, has been instrumental in demonstrating how QbTest can streamline ADHD diagnosis without compromising accuracy."
He added: "Dr Hall's contributions exemplify the power of research in shaping the future of healthcare, and the team continue to drive meaningful change for patients and clinicians alike."
The rapid national rollout of QbTest, developed by innovator Qbtech, is based on a collaboration between the company, Health Innovation East Midlands (HIEM), the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East Midlands, and the NIHR MindTech HealthTech Research Centre.
