Medical education: Accommodating students with ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a significant number of medical students worldwide. It is poorly recognised by educators, and therefore inadequately accommodated for in educational strategies. In order to investigate this further, a literature review and pilot survey were conducted. Health educators employed by The University of Newcastle, Australia, completed a short online survey, which focused on their understanding of, and ability to recognise and adapt teaching strategies for students with ADHD. The results of the survey informed the development of a resource that provided evidence-based strategies for supporting the learning of tertiary students with ADHD. In addition, the results of this pilot study may form the basis for further research in this domain. Given the prevalence and potential impact of ADHD on higher education, it is important to gain deeper insight into how medical educators can best engage and support students with ADHD. This knowledge may potentially reduce the negative impacts of this neurodiversity on students and support their learning and well-being throughout their medical career. Ultimately this may help doctors to achieve their full potential, especially in clinical decision-making.