If you had to pay for every ADHD review you missed, would you be more likely to turn up?
Genuine question, because I’m interested in the psychology behind this.
I have several colleagues working in NHS ADHD services who regularly see patients miss review appointments despite receiving multiple reminders beforehand and on the day.
Sometimes, when the patient is contacted, they’re available but haven’t attended because they forgot, lost track of time, or didn’t have something they needed for the appointment; for example, an up to date blood pressure reading.
Obviously, difficulty with organisation, prospective memory and time management can be part of ADHD itself, so there’s an irony here.
But it made me wonder:
If every review cost you £50 to £100 out of pocket; and you lost that money if you didn’t attend; would it change how likely you were to remember and prepare for it?
Or would ADHD still win regardless?
Interested to hear from people who have experienced both NHS and private ADHD care.