Using Social Judgment Theory to Study Occupational Therapists’ Use of Information When Making Driver Licensing Recommendations for Older and Functionally Impaired Adults

Abstract

Because driver licensing recommendations may have a major impact on clients' lives, debate and further study concerning information use are needed to assist DATOTs in making consistent and optimal licensing recommendations to ensure the safety of all road users and avoid when possible the negative consequences of license loss.

Practices Used by Occupational Therapists and Others in Driving Assessment Centers for Determining Fitness-to-Drive: A Case-Based Approach

“…This finding is consistent with prior studies that clinicians have more confidence in determining FTD using a combination of off-and on-road assessments, and the latter is given greater weight in their determination (Dickerson, 2013;Unsworth, 2007;Vrkljan et al, 2013). This finding is in stark contrast to the finding by Korner-Bitensky et al (2010) where less than 20% of the occupational therapists did on-road assessments, which is likely due to the fact that very few worked in a DAC.…”

“…The scenarios and associated questions were created in collaboration with two clinical consultants from different geographic regions (provinces) in Canada; both were registered occupational therapists with over 10 years of experience in driver assessment and rehabilitation. Additionally, we referred to questions used in prior surveys in this area of practice (Korner-Bitensky et al, 2006;Marshall et al, 2007;Unsworth, 2007).…”

“…Another study by Unsworth (2007) surveyed occupational therapists trained as driver assessors in Australia to identify factors that influenced clinical decisions concerning driver safety. From the list provided, instructor intervention (i.e., having to take control of the vehicle) was checked most often.…”

Developing and Implementing Driving Rehabilitation Programs: A Phenomenological Approach

“…Society views acquiring one's first driver's license as an important milestone, and driving continues to play an important role throughout the remainder of the lifespan (Marsh & Collett, 1987). The affinity for driving extends well into older adulthood, and driving remains the preferred primary mode of transportation (Administration on Aging, 2006;Carr, Schwartzberg, Manning, & Sempek, 2010;Collia, Sharp, & Giesbrecht, 2003;Unsworth, 2007). The overwhelming preference for driving is expected in an automobiledependent society such as the United States, in which daily occupations are often dependent on the ability to drive (Stav & Lieberman, 2008).…”

Validation of a Test of Road Law and Road Craft Knowledge With Older or Functionally Impaired Drivers

“…In Victoria, an off-road assessment is followed by an on-road evaluation of client performance in a standard vehicle on regular roads (Unsworth, 2007a(Unsworth, , 2007b. This situation is similar in the United States, where Redepenning (2006) and Stav (2004) have both provided outlines of off-road and on-road procedures.…”