Evidence-Based and Occupational Perspective of Effective Interventions for Older Clients That Remediate or Support Improved Driving Performance

Abstract

To assess the effectiveness of person-related interventions on driving ability in older adults, this literature review was completed as a part of the Evidence-Based Literature Review Project of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Nineteen articles were incorporated into the systematic review and include interventions in the following areas: visual, cognitive, and motor; educational; passengers; and medical. The results provide inconclusive evidence for the use of interventions such as the Useful Field of View training, home exercise programs, and passenger interactions. Conclusive evidence shows that older adults respond positively to programs stressing self-awareness of driving skills and that some medical interventions affect the ability to drive. Despite limitations, the studies reviewed provide useful information that deserves further exploration. Reading the literature provides therapists with knowledge that might improve client care. Learning about cutting-edge interventions and educating peers and students about evidence-based interventions may lead to safer community mobility for older adults.

Effect of Occupation- and Activity-Based Interventions on Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Performance Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review

“…The articles were divided into five categories on the basis of type of intervention: occupation based and client centered, functional activities, performance skills, home modification and assistive technology, and driving. Because driving has been well covered in several other recent systematic reviews (Arbesman & Pellerito, 2008; Hunt & Arbesman, 2008; Kua, Korner-Bitensky, Desrosiers, Man-Son-Hing, & Marshall, 2007; Stav, 2008; Strong, Jutai, Russell-Minda, & Evans, 2008), those findings are not included in this article. Supplemental Table 1 (available online at http://ajot.aotapress.net [navigate to this article, and click on “supplemental materials”]) lists selected articles from this systematic review and provides the objectives, design, a description of the interventions and outcome measures, and summaries of the results and limitations for each study.…”

TheLet's GoProgram for Community Participation: A Feasibility Study

“…Participants in support groups related to community mobility report improved quality of life and decreased depression (Dobbs et al, 2009;Stern et al, 2008). Hunt & Arbesman (2008) found educational programming increased safety knowledge, however, education sessions alone did not improve safety. In an effort to translate knowledge gains to occupational performance, Let's Go incorporates experiential components.…”

Methodology for functional MRI of simulated driving

“…Governments and physicians require improved tools to aid in determining fitness to drive, particularly for individuals living with the consequences of physical, neurological, or psychiatric impairments. 2,3 Improvements are also required toward rehabilitating unsafe driving practices where possible, 4 and toward the ongoing development of governmental policies relating to licensure and driving laws. 5,6 Central to improving safe driving is the question of how to evaluate driving performance.…”