Physicians’ knowledge and continuing medical education regarding fitness to drive: a questionnaire-based survey in Southeast Switzerland

Abstract

Valid information for physicians in Switzerland concerning knowledge and continuing education in traffic medicine is not available. Also, their attitude to the legally prescribed periodic driving fitness examinations is unclear. In order to gain more information about these topics, 635 resident physicians in Southeast Switzerland were sent a questionnaire (response rate 52%). In a self-estimation, 79% of the queried physicians claimed to know the minimal medical requirements for drivers which are important in their specialty. Statistically significant differences existed between the specialties, whereby general practitioners most frequently claimed to know the minimal medical requirements (90%). It appears that the minimal medical requirements for drivers are well known to the queried physicians. Fifty-two percent of the physicians favored an expansion of continuing education in traffic medicine. Such an expansion was desired to a lesser extent by physicians without knowledge of the minimal requirements (p<0.001). A clear majority of the medical professionals adjudged the legally prescribed periodic driving fitness examinations as being an expedient means to identify unfit drivers. A national standardized form for reporting potentially unfit drivers to the licensing authorities was supported by 68% of the responding physicians. Such a form could simplify and standardize the reports to the licensing authorities.

Impact of New Guidelines and Educational Program on Awareness of Medical Fitness to Drive Among General Practitioners in Ireland

“…The general lack of awareness of guidelines and frequent lack of confidence among GPs regarding MFTD assessments reported in the literature may be accounted for by the documented deficit in traffic medicine and MFTD education available to GPs and other doctors (Pfäffli et al 2012;Sims et al 2012). This is a substantial issue because research has shown that implementing changes in clinical practice seldom entails a single action and usually demands a combination of different interventions (Grol 1997).…”

“…A 2012 study showed that 52% of Swiss physicians were in favor of expanding continuing education in traffic using medical literature (journals, books, etc.) and educational events (Pfäffli et al 2012). A majority of Australian GPs (74%) desired education further education in MFTD, with 70, 71, 62, and 47% favoring functional assessments, clarification of legal obligations, face-to-face learning, and online activity, respectively (Sims et al 2012).…”