"IS IT TIME TO STOP DRIVING?": A RANDOMIZED TRIAL OF AN ONLINE DECISION AID FOR OLDER DRIVERS. (20th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Omeragic, Faris; Meador, Lauren; Fowler, Nicole; Johnson, Rachel; Boland, Elizabeth; Peterson, Ryan; Betz, Marian
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 6(2022)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 613
• Page End: 614
• Publication Date: 2022-12-20
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igac059.2285
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: The decision to stop or continue driving can be challenging for older adults. In a prospective two-arm randomized trial, we sought to test whether an online driving decision aid (DDA) would improve decision quality. We recruited 301 English-speaking licensed drivers, age ≥70 years, without significant cognitive impairment but with ≥1 diagnosis associated with increased likelihood of driving cessation, from clinics associated with study sites in three states. They were randomized to view 1) the online Healthwise® DDA for older adults addressing "Is it time to stop driving?"; or 2) a control condition of web-based information. Our primary outcome was decision conflict as estimated by the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS; lower scores indicate higher quality). Secondary outcomes were knowledge and decision self-efficacy about driving decisions. We examined differences in post-randomization outcomes by study arm using generalized linear mixed-effects models with adjustment for site and pre-randomization scores. Intervention participants had a lower mean DCS score (12.3 DDA vs 15.2 control; p=0.017) and a higher mean knowledge score (88.9 DDA vs 79.9 control; p=0.038); we found no difference between groups in self-efficacy scores. The DDA had high acceptability; 86.9% of those who viewed it said they would recommend it to others in similar situations.The online Healthwise® DDA decreased decision conflict and increased knowledge in this sample of English-speaking, older adults without significant cognitive impairment. Use of such resources in clinical or community settings may support older adults as they transition from driving to other forms of mobility.