Support for resumption of automobile driving in the rehabilitation department: A follow-up survey

Abstract

Occupational therapists (OTs) in our rehabilitation department annually evaluate about 100 cases targeting resumption of automobile driving among patients and outside applicants after cerebral stroke (with exclusion of those with dementia). Comprehensive results from neuropsychological examinations and a driving simulator are reported to physicians. In this study, several activities were introduced in our hospital and a follow-up survey was implemented for 10 subjects under certain conditions after completion of evaluation of their automobile driving. All subjects had resumed driving and their frequency of driving differed according to their occupations and purposes. Some subjects stated that considerations for safe driving and advice for evaluation of driving were effective. Some occupational drivers had phases of fear, suggesting that long working hours with long driving may increase the risk of accidents after resumption of driving after cerebral stroke. Hereafter, we will continue to use follow-up surveys to obtain more accurate evaluations of resumption of automobile driving, including actual vehicle evaluation, and we will collaborate with other occupations and organizations to provide better support.