The process of determining driving safety in people with dementia: A review of the literature and guidelines from 5 English speaking countries. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Walsh, Liam; Chacko, Emme; Cheung, Gary
• Is Part Of: Australasian psychiatry. Volume 27:Number 5(2019:Oct.)
• Page Start: 480
• Page End: 485
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: dementia -- driving -- assessment; Psychiatry -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1177/1039856219848828
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1039-8562

Abstract

Objectives: To review literature and guidelines related to the process of determining driving safety in people with dementia. Method: Four electronic databases were searched in December 2016/January 2017. We limited our search to literature and guidelines published in the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Results: General practitioners are primarily responsible for driver licensing; however, they often feel ill-equipped and it can compromise the therapeutic relationship. Occupational therapist driving assessment is considered as the 'gold-standard' but is costly and often not available. Medical advisory boards assist the assessment process by providing independent licencing decisions. Conclusions: General practitioner training, funding for occupational therapist driving assessment and the establishment of a medical advisory board could be considered to improve the current practice of driving assessment in dementia.