Knowledge and attitudes of occupational therapists to giving advice on fitness to drive

Introduction A range of medical conditions can affect driving, and health professionals should advise patients accordingly. This study examined the knowledge of occupational therapists, other therapists and psychologists regarding medical standards for driving, their attitudes to advising patients about driving, and barriers to giving that advice. Method A structured questionnaire measured knowledge of medical standards and attitudes to advising patients about driving. Analyses compared responses of occupational therapists with those of other therapists and psychologists. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with therapists and psychologists after they had watched a video-taped clinical consultation with an actor-patient who was unfit to drive. Interviewees, unaware that the study was about driving, were asked how they would advise the patient. Focus groups were held with a range of health professionals to discuss facilitators and barriers to giving driving advice. Results Eighty-two questionnaires were completed. Occupational therapists were most aware of driving guidelines and most likely to advise patients to stop driving (p<0.01). A total of 98% of occupational therapists believed they should discuss driving compared with 68% of other therapists and psychologists (p<0.01). Therapists were more likely than psychologists to spontaneously raise the issue of driving after viewing the video-consultation. Conclusion Occupational therapists are well placed to expand their role in advising patients about fitness to drive. For this they require additional training and clarification of their role and legal responsibilities.