ADHD affects millions of individuals worldwide, yet how it is managed and treated can vary dramatically depending on where a patient lives. TIMESPAN is investigating that by harnessing a multi-national platform with healthcare data, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in ADHD research and patient care. Bringing together healthcare data from diverse healthcare systems, TIMESPAN empowers researchers to study real-world medication usage patterns and safety profiles on an unprecedented scale. This global platform enables the inclusion of large numbers of patients, making it possible to identify rare side effects and understand how specific subgroups respond to treatments.
In ADHD research, differences in prescribing guidelines, diagnostic criteria, and healthcare practices across countries often influence treatment outcomes. A multi-database approach captures these variations, offering a more complete picture of how ADHD impacts lives worldwide. For instance, while a medication (e.g. methylphenidate) may be the most common treatment in one region, it may not be the case elsewhere (e.g. in the US), affecting how patients adhere to and persist with treatment. By systematically identify these differences, TIMESPAN aims to provide evidence to guide best practices and highlights areas that require further investigation.
Equally critical is the harmonisation of data across countries. TIMESPAN employs rigorous research approach to ensure accurate identification of patients, consistent measurement of medication exposure, and reliable assessment of outcomes, such as cardiovascular events. Transparent processes and metadata tables not only enhance the reliability of the research but also encourage future collaborations.
Ultimately, TIMESPAN’s international multi-database strategy fosters high-quality evidence generation in ADHD research. By leveraging the strengths of diverse data sources and uniting stakeholders—including clinicians, policymakers, and patients—TIMESPAN delivers a more comprehensive understanding of medication use and safety. This collaborative foundation paves the way for improved clinical guidelines, increased patient confidence in treatment, and, most importantly, better outcomes for individuals living with ADHD worldwide.
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