Citation

Braekhus A, Engedal K. Scand. J. Prim. Health Care 1996; 14(4): 223-228.

Affiliation

Research Group in Geriatrics, Norwegian Health Association, Ullevaal Hospital, Oslo, Norway.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8956450

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Study how GPs assess mental function when a health certificate for elderly drivers has to be issued. DESIGN: Postal questionnaire survey. SETTING: Nationwide survey. SUBJECTS: Random sample of 532 Norwegian general practitioners, response rate 54%. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Open and closed questions. RESULTS: Various types of examinations and assessments are carried out in this context. More than 50% always assess mental function. Only 22% use formal mental tests, mostly when in doubt. The assessment of elderly patients for a health certificate for driving is regarded by many as a difficult problem. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of uniformity in issuing a health certificate to elderly drivers, a low use of formal cognitive testing, and problems facing GPs in this context. More concrete guidelines and a formal second-line system would facilitate an objective assessment and could also alleviate the burden on the doctor.

Language: en