Resumo

DITSEBE, Dimpho  e  SCHOEMAN, Renata. Co-producing adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) care in South Africa: A patient-centred framework for agency, trust, satisfaction and continuity. S. Afr. j. psyc. [online]. 2026, vol.32, n.1, pp.1-8. ISSN 2078-6786.  https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v32i0.2618.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in diagnostics and pharmacological interventions, adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience poor mental health outcomes in South Africa. Patient involvement in psychiatric care remains inconsistent, and co-production has yet to be explored for improved continuity, adherence, and satisfaction AIM: This study explored how adults with ADHD perceive their involvement in psychiatric care to inform co-production practices for clinicians SETTING: Participants were recruited via the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) ADHD Special Interest Group (SIG METHODS: This qualitative study explored how adults with ADHD perceive their involvement in psychiatric care. Thirteen adults formally diagnosed with ADHD were purposively sampled. Semi-structured interviews, guided by the SERVPERF model, were conducted online and analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti (version 24.2.1 [32295]; ATLAS.ti Scientific Software Development GmbH, Berlin, Germany RESULTS: The proposed patient-centred care framework is based on four identified themes: (1) patient agency enhances engagement when decision-making is shared and treatment options are clearly explained; (2) trust in provider expertise and empathy influence adherence and comfort with treatment plans; (3) satisfaction increases with personalised, responsive care, particularly during medication adjustments and follow-up; and (4) continuity of care and timely access foster sustained engagement, while inconsistent communication leads to frustration and dropout. Together, these dynamics form a relational framework for the co-production of care CONCLUSION: Patient involvement in ADHD care is relational and influenced by trust, effective communication, and continuity of care. Where co-production was present, patients experienced improved outcomes CONTRIBUTION: This study emphasises integrating co-production into psychiatric practice through structured involvement strategies, improved continuity, and relational training for healthcare providers

Palavras-chave : adult ADHD; co-production; patient involvement; agency; continuity of care; relational care.

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