Implementing the Key Action Statements: An Algorithm and Explanation for Process of Care for the Evaluation, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Monitoring of ADHD in Children and Adolescents

Practice guidelines provide a broad outline of the requirements for highquality evidence-based care. In support of consistent and comprehensive care for children and adolescents with symptoms of attention and hyperactivity disorders within a typical, busy pediatric practice, the AAP has developed the following suggested process-ofcare algorithm (see Supplemental Fig 2) that provides discrete and manageable steps through which a primary care clinician can fulfill the key action statements offered in the guideline. The algorithm is entirely consistent with the practice guideline and is based on the practical experience and advice of clinicians experienced in the diagnosis and management of ADHD in children and adolescents. Because of the detail provided, the process algorithm does not have the same level of evidence base as the key action statements that are provided in the practice guideline. The steps of the algorithm are based primarily on consensus among expert clinicians.