Access our support and expertise:
At HIEM we have a portfolio of projects and programmes that aim to improve the lives of Neurodiverse People.
We are passionate about making sure that Neurodiverse People, experts by experience and their families/ carers have a space to be heard and that they are central in influencing change within the healthcare system. Our work supports both Neurodiverse People and professionals: including commissioners, clinicians, educators, social care & local authority practitioners, researchers and industry innovators.
On this page we use the term ‘Neurodiverse People’. We use this term to refer to people who have a neurodiverse diagnosis (including but not limited to Autism, ADHD and Tourette’s), people awaiting a neurodiversity assessment, and those who have not sought assessment, but who recognise themselves as being neurodiverse. We understand this may not be how you choose to refer to yourself/ people in your services.
Click here to go to HIEM’s ‘Digital Tools for Neurodiversity Platform’.
The new online platform helps you explore and compare digital tools that are available to support Neurodiverse People and associated healthcare services.
The platform began with an Adult ADHD focus but is continuously being expanded to encompass all-age, all neurodiversity. Tools range from clinical ‘front door solutions’ to self-management digital tools.
Read more
Click here to find out more about how HIEM is supporting the identification, development, and adoption of digital technologies that help Neurodiverse People and associated healthcare services.
Click here to find out about the work HIEM is doing to make sure that Neurodiverse People, their families and carers, and other experts by experience are heard and included in decisions about the services they use.
Click here to find out about the work HIEM is doing to support healthcare systems in the East Midlands with their neurodiversity care pathways.
Personas: We have developed personas that represent people with ADHD. These personas can be used to support service improvement work. They do not replace involvement of people with lived experience but help to keep Neurodiverse People’s voice’s ‘in the room’ when they are not present.
Download the personas.
Digital for Neurodiversity Hubs: The Hubs are spaces where experts by experience and professional experts can share their knowledge, experiences and views on how digital technology can best support the lives of Neurodiverse People and their services (Hubs 1 and 2). This learning is then shared with researchers and innovators to help improve the innovations of the future (Hub 3).
Last year HIEM ran Hubs to explore the digital needs of Adults with ADHD.
Read the analysis of the insight from the Adult ADHD Hubs 1 and 2 here.
Listen to the recording of the Adult ADHD Hub 3 here.
This year HIEM will be running hubs for Neurodiverse Young People. To find out more about the Hubs please contact Beth Askey This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mixed Methods Review: We have reviewed the available research linked to the use of digital technologies within Adult ADHD Pathways which support self-management. We also worked with academic partners to identify and share learning from aligned areas of research.
Download the ‘Rapid Systematic Review’ by HIEM’s Analytics and Evaluation service here.
Click here to link to the National ADHD Taskforce Reports Part 1
Click here to link to the National ADHD Taskforce Reports Part 2
Click here to link to the Kings Fund Report: Adult ADHD assessments and diagnosis: data and service provision
Click here to link to the NHSE report: Understanding Innovative Service Delivery in ADHD & Autism Assessment Services -Report of Project Findings
Click here to read HIN’s Blog Post: Exciting, invigorating and full of ambition – the critical role of innovation in the future of mental health, autism and ADHD
Focus ADHD: Click here to find out more about our historic ‘Focus ADHD’ national programme to improve ADHD assessments in children & young people.
ORBIT 3: HIEM are supporting the Real-World Evaluation of ORBIT 'Online Remote Behavioural Intervention for Tics’. Look out for more information!
SuperPenguin: HIEM are supporting SuperPenguin through our GROW and Ignite programmes. SuperPenguin is a mobile app for parents/carers of children with stammer and a web platform for Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs); empowering both Speech and Language Therapists and families.
RECOGNeyes: HIEM are supporting RECOGNeyes through our Ignite programme. RECOGNeyes is a novel gaze-controlled computerised cognitive training (CCT) programme designed to help children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by targeting impaired oculomotor control.
Click here to find out more about HIEM’s work ‘Helping people with a learning disability, at risk of behaviour that challenges, to avoid harm from psychotropic medicines.’
If you’re an innovator looking to share your work with us, a healthcare professional or somebody working in Neurodiversity services or somebody with lived experience looking to get involved with our week, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Through our digital programme HIEM aims to improve support to Neurodiverse People, save the NHS time and money, and support digital innovators. Digital innovations may be a
Last year (2025-2026) our digital programme focussed on digital tools to support Adults with ADHD and Adult ADHD services; specifically, innovations to address challenges with ‘digital front door’ ‘support for waiting safely (for assessments) and self-management’ and ‘data flow and capture’.
This year (2026-2027) we are focussing on digital tools to support Neurodiverse and Young People.
The Hubs are spaces where experts by experience and clinical experts can share their knowledge, experiences and views on how digital technology can best support the lives of Neurodiverse People and their services (Hubs 1 and 2). This learning is then shared with researchers and innovators to help improve the innovations of the future (Hub 3).
We have reviewed the available research linked to the use of digital technologies within Adult ADHD Pathways which support self-management. We also worked with academic partners to identify and share learning from aligned areas of research.
Download the ‘Mixed Methods Review’ by HIEM’s Analytics and Evaluation service here.
Watch the recording of our evaluation researcher Sophie presenting her Mixed Methods review here.
In December (2025) we invited 11 innovators to present digital solutions which address the needs of adults with ADHD and Adult ADHD healthcare services (as highlighted in the taskforce report and indorsed by local experts by experience) to an audience of East Midlands healthcare systems.
You can find out more and watch the presentations here.
East Midlands Adult ADHD healthcare services/systems then had the opportunity to bid for HIEM funding to support the test and adoption of a digital innovation.
Following a bid and interview process, HIEM will be supporting an East Midlands healthcare system to realise an ADHD digital innovation implementation project over the coming year (2026-2027) with the aim of then creating a blueprint to support other systems in their adoption of ADHD digital tools.
We are passionate about making sure that Neurodiverse People, experts by experience and their families/ carers have a space to be heard and that they are central in influencing change within the healthcare system.
HIEM supports the voice of Neurodiverse People:
We have developed personas that represent people with ADHD. These personas can be used to support service improvement work. They do not replace involvement of people with lived experience but help to keep Neurodiverse People’s voice’s ‘in the room’ when they are not present.
Download the personas
HIEM have a list of neurodiversity experts by experience and clinical experts from within the East Midlands who we can call upon to involve in discussions, gain insights, and ask for opinions. This is called a PIC list.
When an opportunity arises for involvement, we reach out to the PIC list to see who is interested in contributing. Some opportunities are paid and involvement can range from giving opinions on HIEM documents to being part of focus groups for digital innovators.
There is no expectation to commit to anything that goes to the PIC list; people can choose to be involved as much or as little as they want.
If you or someone you know would like to get involved supporting HIEM as an expert by experience (or clinical expert), please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
HIEM are supporting the transformation of Adult ADHD diagnostic and support pathways within the East Midlands. We are offering support to each region of the East Midlands to:
North West Coast HIN Pathway: We are working with ICBs and clinical teams in the East Midlands to explore redesigning services in line with the model developed by North West Coast HIN and NHS Cheshire & Merseyside.
‘The model introduces a primary care led service that looks to create time back to care, save money, align with policy objectives and most importantly improve the lives of people living with ADHD through earlier access to support.’
Find out more about the model here: https://www.healthinnovationnwc.nhs.uk/adult-adhd
The model is being implemented and evaluated in a number of locations across England. Alongside exploring adoption in the East Midlands, HIEM is nationally leading the digital tools exploration element of the pathway.
For more information about support with neurodevelopmental pathways please contact Hannah Osgood This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Throughout 2025/2026, HIEM is leading work as part of a wider Neurodiversity portfolio, with an initial focus on adult ADHD. This portfolio includes a number of projects with a particular focus on improving care pathways and supporting the identification, development, and adoption of digital technologies to enhance the adult ADHD pathway across the East Midlands. The portfolio will bring together insights from data, research, innovation, and clinical practice to explore how digital tools can help address current system challenges, such as delays in assessment, limited self-management support, and variation in local services.
Working closely with Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), clinicians, innovators and people with lived experience, the project aims to build a stronger understanding of regional needs and to help shape and support meaningful digital solutions.
Demand for adult ADHD services has increased significantly in recent years. Many individuals face long waiting times for assessment and limited support following diagnosis. Services often vary between areas, and pressure on clinical teams can make it difficult to respond effectively to growing need.
At the same time, digital technologies offer potential to enhance the pathway, by streamlining assessment processes, enabling more consistent follow-up, and providing tools that help manage the day-to-day challenges people with ADHD experience. However, many of these innovations need further development, evidence or adaptation to meet the needs of local services and users.
This programme will:
Through collaboration, evidence gathering and support for innovation, the project aims to:
We are currently working with partners across the East Midlands to progress this work. If you are developing a relevant digital tool, have insight to share, or would like to get involved in the programme, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
A new HIEM programme is being rolled out across the East Midlands to implement Hybrid Closed Loop (HCL) technology for people with Type 1 diabetes.
Find out more.
The Respiratory Transformation Partnership (RTP) brings together NHS England, the Office for Life Sciences, NHS systems, leading industry partners and health innovation networks to drive whole‑pathway transformation in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), addressing unmet need and making better use of innovative treatments and technology.
Find out more
The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Chronic Kidney Disease Integrated Care Delivery Programme (LUCID) aims to improve patient outcomes through early detection of CKD, early intervention and optimisation, as well as maximising productivity and value for money.
The S-Press device is designed to be used conveniently in bed or a chair, aiming to break barriers with in-hospital exercise and rehabilitation.
Learn more about S-press
During 2025-2026, HIEM is leading work as part of a wider Neurodiversity portfolio, with an initial focus on adult ADHD.
Learn more about our work
Supporting our systems to improve patients care and outcomes by effectively identifying and treating patients with hypertension (high blood pressure).
Learn more about the programme
Supporting our systems to improve patients care and outcomes by effectively identifying and treating patients with hypercholesterolaemia (patients with high cholesterol).
Explore how we're supporting our systems to improve patients care and outcomes by effectively identifying and treating patients with Familial Hypercholesterolaemia.
Find out about the support we are currently offering, as part of the MedSIP programme, to help systems to reduce harm from psychotropic medicines.
Learn more about the programme.
Providing quicker, timely support for patients in a mental health crisis.
Find out more about the Lincolnshire mental health urgent assessment centre
Use of remote monitoring and visual sharing of patient data helps improve productivity and reduce unnecessary face to face appointments.
Find out more about the digital platform Isla Health used in two Nottinghamshire trusts
Smart messaging to enhance the wellbeing of patients in cancer care.
Find out more about the programme
Implemented by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reducing waiting times and increasing staff education and training.
Find out more about the transformative pathway
Social support groups for people with dementia and their loved ones. The memory hubs initiative combines a psychosocial approach with input from health professionals.
Find out more about the Oakley Vale Memory Hub
Pioneering respiratory device aims to reduce patient length of treatment.
Learn more about the Derbyshire pilot
Improving clinical outcomes through earlier intervention for patients with chronic kidney disease.
Learn more about the LLR chronic kidney disease integrated care delivery programme.
Community breast pain clinics have been shown to transform 2-week wait (2WW) and improve patient satisfaction.
Read more about the evaluation of community clinics and the positive impact on 2WW referrals.
Find out how a virtual Atrial Fibrillation ward in Leicester has helped to reduce hospital stays, enabling more patients to receive care out hospital.
Learn more about the AF virtual ward.
Following successful trials and pilots in the East Midlands, the health innovation networks supported a national programme from 2020 – 2023 called Focus ADHD to improve ADHD assessment in children and young people.
Learn more about our work supporting the diagnosis of ADHD
Safe and secure messaging service for young people and new parents.
Learn more about ChatHealth
Scheduling outpatient appointments based on patient needs.
Learn more about the digital outpatient appointment follow up project
We support the local delivery of the Accelerated Access Collaborative’s MedTech Funding Mandate policy which aims to direct the NHS on which MedTech innovations are effective and likely to give savings on investment.
Learn more about MTFM products
Improving the care, experience and outcomes of young people aged 16 to 25 with eating disorders.
Learn more about Early Intervention Eating Disorders
Supporting primary care colleagues to deliver high-quality, proactive, routine care for patients with long term conditions.
Learn more about Proactive Care Frameworks
Supporting Integrated Care Systems in our region to address health inequalities in line with NHS England’s national Core20PLUS5 programme.
Learn more about our InHIP programme
Ensures patients with lower limb wounds receive evidence based care improving the healing of wounds, quality of life and reducing the likelihood of wound recurrence.
Learn more about our transforming wound care programme
Polypharmacy is when people are prescribed many different medicines for one or more health conditions; this can lead to unintended consequences, such as hospital admission, adverse drug events, and non-adherence issues.
Learn more about our Polypharmacy: Getting the balance right programme
Find out how we improving the management of non cancer pain by reducing harm from opioids.
Learn more about how we are improving the management of non cancer pain
A recent HIEM evaluation report shows the Skin Analytics AI solution could help identify patients with skin lesions, who need to be seen by a consultant.
Read how the pilot project in Leicester’s acute hospitals aimed to reduce waiting lists.
Well-Track (using a combination of Fitbit health trackers and face to face support) has been successfully integrated into several care pathways including an early intervention in psychosis service and an at-risk mental state service.
Read how it has improved patients’ mental and physical health.
Find out more about the work we are doing on the prevention of cardiovascular disease - this includes heart failure, blood pressure optimisation and Lipid Management and Familial Hypercholesterolaemia.
Find out more about cardiovascular disease prevention
A pilot across four primary care networks in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has shown how multi-disciplinary team medication reviews across primary and secondary care can improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital admissions.
Find out more about the pilot