Citation

Fields SM, Unsworth CA. Aust. Occup. Ther. J. 2017; 64(4): 328-339.

Affiliation

Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/1440-1630.12379

PMID

28524365

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIM: Determination of fitness-to-drive after illness or injury is a complex process typically requiring a comprehensive driving assessment, including off-road and on-road assessment components. The competency standards for occupational therapy driver assessors (Victoria, Australia) define the requirements for performance of a comprehensive driving assessment, and we are currently revising these. Assessment of cognitive and perceptual skills forms an important part of the off-road assessment. The aim of this systematic review of systematic reviews (known as an overview) is to identify what evidence exists for including assessment of cognitive and perceptual skills within fitness-to-drive evaluations to inform revision of the competency standards.

METHODS: Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library, OT Seeker) were systematically searched. Systematic review articles were appraised by two authors for eligibility.

METHODological quality was independently assessed using the AMSTAR tool. Narrative analysis was conducted to summarise the content of eligible reviews.

RESULTS: A total of 1228 results were retrieved. Fourteen reviews met the inclusion criteria. Reviews indicated that the components of cognition and perception most frequently identified as being predictive of fitness-to-drive were executive function (n = 13), processing speed (n = 12), visuospatial skills, attention, memory and mental flexibility (n = 11). Components less indicative were perception, concentration (n = 10), praxis (n = 9), language (n = 7) and neglect (n = 6).

CONCLUSION: This overview of systematic reviews supports the inclusion of assessment of a range of cognitive and perceptual skills as key elements in a comprehensive driver assessment and therefore should be included in the revised competency standards for occupational therapy driver assessors.

© 2017 Occupational Therapy Australia.

Language: en

Keywords

automobile driving; cognition; driver assessment; overview; perception