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Consultations on driving in people with cognitive impairment in primary care: A scoping review of the evidence.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Foley, Tony 
Forsyth, Justin 
McLoughlin, Kathleen 
Horgan, Linda 

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To review the empirical evidence on approaches used by Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) in fitness to drive (FtD) consultations with people living with cognitive impairment. DESIGN: Scoping review of empirical literature focused on primary studies of any design. SETTING: Primary care practice. PARTICIPANTS: PCPs or their equivalent and/ or individuals with cognitive impairment across the spectrum of mild cognitive impairment to dementia. MEASUREMENTS: Systematic search of Medline, Cinahl, PsychINFO, Academic Search Complete, Psychological and Behavioural Sciences Collection, SocIndex and Social Sciences FT were conducted. Records screened by two reviewers against agreed inclusion criteria. Mixed studies (qualitative and quantitative) were synthesized within overarching themes. RESULTS: Eighteen studies met our inclusion criteria. Synthesized data showed PCPs have mixed feelings on the appropriateness of their role in FtD assessments, with many feeling particularly uncomfortable and lacking confidence in the context of possible cognitive impairment. Reasons include lack of familiarity with legal requirements and local resources; fear of damaging the doctor-patient relationship; and impact on the patient's quality of life. Patients voiced their desire to maintain agency in planning their driving cessation. Studies evaluating pragmatic educational programmes suggest these can improve physician confidence in FtD consultations. CONCLUSION: The increasing number of older people affected by cognitive impairment, for whom driving may be a concern, has implications for primary care practice. Addressing the reasons for PCPs lack of comfort in dealing with this issue is essential in order for them to better engage in, collaborative discussion with patients on plans and preferences for driving cessation.

Description

Keywords

Automobile Driving, Cognitive Dysfunction, Dementia, Humans, Physician-Patient Relations, Physicians, Primary Care, Primary Health Care, Referral and Consultation

Journal Title

PLoS One

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1932-6203
1932-6203

Volume Title

13

Publisher

Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Sponsorship
Road Safety Authority of Ireland