Driving after an injury or disease affecting the brain: an analysis of clinical data

Introduction Traffic safety may be affected if a licence holder has experienced illness or injury that may have an impact on cognition. Occupational therapists are involved in assessing cognitive functions that might affect a patient’s ability to drive a car using different evaluation tools in different countries and settings. The aim of this study was to look at the predictive value of some of the assessment tools available to occupational therapists for making judgements about resuming driving after cognitive impairment due to brain trauma or disease. Method A retrospective study based on clinical data from 204 patients referred to a specialist department for recommendations on ability to drive after brain injury or disease. All patients underwent three assessments: stroke drivers screening assessment, useful field of view and simulated driving skill. In addition, an on-road assessment was added in 76% of the sample. Results Useful field of view had the highest sensitivity (78%) and, combined with the results from the simulator, the sensitivity was 87%. The specificity for the two methods was 55%. Conclusion The results from useful field of view and a simulator test combined best predicted the final recommendation from the multi-professional team discussion on which clients should be recommended not to resume driving.

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