Evidence Based Indicators of Driving Performance

This course starts by providing a background of crash statistics for the U.S and introduce the concept of crash risk and crash risk reduction. Next, we provide an overview of terminology that is used in the driving literature, specifically related to driving outcomes. The audience is further exposed to a breadth of evidence-based methods and tools to help asses an individual’s fitness to drive. These assessments include the Comprehensive Driving Evaluation, which can be subdivided in clinical assessments, driving simulator assessments, and the on-road assessment. Dr. Classen is synopsizing the factual content in this course from almost two decades of exposure to empirical evidence and best practices –all packaged to enable clinicians to practice from an evidence-based perspective.

Prerequisites: None

AOTA Classification Codes

Category 1: Domain of OT – Occupation/ IADLs
Category 2: Occupational Therapy Process – Approaches to intervention

Target Audience

Occupational therapy generalists and specialists, driver rehabilitation specialists, driver educators, administrators, and private practice health care professionals

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• Conceptualize the crash statistics in the U.S and understand the role of the occupational therapy practitioner in crash risk detection.
• Operationalize and use driving related terminology to ensure continuity in documentation and reporting practices.
• Apply the results from evidence-based clinical assessments to at-risk drivers seen in the clinic, to make informed decisions about fitness to drive.
• Synthesize the importance of using the driving simulator as a valid and reliable tool to assess driving performance.
• Compare and contrast the benefits and risks of the on-road assessment, as the gold standard for making final fitness to drive decisions.

Education Level

Introductory: Information is geared to practitioners with little or no knowledge of the subject matter.  Focus is on providing general introductory information.

Completion Requirements

0.1 AOTA CEUs (1 Contact Hour for State of Florida Occupational Therapy practitioners) will be awarded upon a successful completion of a multiple choice post-test. Participants will be able to print a certificate of completion after completing a short course evaluation in addition to the post-test.