Awareness and Reporting Status of Driving Restrictions Among Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices with Defibrillators

Abstract

Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices with Defibrillators（CIEDs-D）are permitted to drive under restricted conditions by submitting a physician’s medical certificate to the Public Safety Commission and obtaining approval through an appropriate evaluation. However, as this process is based on self-reporting, some patients fail to submit the required documentation, and no prior study has assessed awareness of these driving restrictions. To evaluate this, we conducted a survey at our hospital. Among 339 consenting patients receiving follow-up care, 227 held a valid driver’s license, of whom 71（31％）had not reported to the Public Safety Commission. Notably, 70％ of those who failed to report were aged 50 or older. These findings indicate a low level of awareness regarding driving restrictions among patients with CIEDs-D. To improve compliance, more effective and targeted communication strategies are warranted, especially for middle-aged and older individuals.