Petra A Hoggarth1. 1. Psychiatric Service for the Elderly, The Princess Margaret Hospital, Cashmere Road, Christchurch 8022, New Zealand. petra.hoggarth@cdhb.govt.nz.
Abstract
AIM: To assess how GPs in Canterbury determine the driving ability of their older patients with cognitive impairment. METHODS: A 10-item questionnaire was sent to 514 Canterbury GPs via the mail system of three Primary Health Organisations. GPs could either post or fax back responses anonymously and were also able to add their own comments. RESULTS: 185 GPs returned completed questionnaires (36% response rate). Six of 10 items were rated in the middle of the response range, indicating a middling level of agreement. All but three GPs reported using a cognitive screening test and most talked to their patients about the need to plan for driving cessation. GPs did not frequently report referring for on-road driving assessments and many commented they would appreciate a more structured guideline with specific recommendations. CONCLUSION: There is room for improvement in the amount of information provided to GPs about how to best assess older patients with cognitive impairment for fitness to drive. Recommendations of specific cognitive screens and a flowchart format would be a valuable addition.
AIM: To assess how GPs in Canterbury determine the driving ability of their older patients with cognitive impairment. METHODS: A 10-item questionnaire was sent to 514 Canterbury GPs via the mail system of three Primary Health Organisations. GPs could either post or fax back responses anonymously and were also able to add their own comments. RESULTS: 185 GPs returned completed questionnaires (36% response rate). Six of 10 items were rated in the middle of the response range, indicating a middling level of agreement. All but three GPs reported using a cognitive screening test and most talked to their patients about the need to plan for driving cessation. GPs did not frequently report referring for on-road driving assessments and many commented they would appreciate a more structured guideline with specific recommendations. CONCLUSION: There is room for improvement in the amount of information provided to GPs about how to best assess older patients with cognitive impairment for fitness to drive. Recommendations of specific cognitive screens and a flowchart format would be a valuable addition.
Authors: Carol Sinnott; Tony Foley; Justin Forsyth; Kathleen McLoughlin; Linda Horgan; Colin P Bradley Journal: PLoS One Date: 2018-10-15 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Carol Sinnott; Tony Foley; Linda Horgan; Kathleen McLoughlin; Cormac Sheehan; Colin Bradley Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2019-08-21 Impact factor: 2.692