Analysis of the latest Austroads guidelines for fitness to drive as promulgated in March 2012

"Chance Takers Are Accident Makers": Are Patients With Epilepsy Really Taking a Chance When They Drive?

This review compiles scientific data about the real dangers faced by people with epilepsy (PWE) who drive. Those include risks of motor vehicle accidents (MVA) in PWE as compared with controls (individuals without epilepsy) and as compared with persons with other medical conditions that impact fitness to drive. Data regarding Accident rates as related to seizure free intervals (SFI), single vs. multiple seizure events, and/or antiseizure drug (ASD) taper and reintroduction are discussed. Variation in state, national, and international laws and guidance for non-commercial and commercial drivers is highlighted, along with some related reasons for driving restrictions. The review concludes by emphasizing the importance of physicians educating patients about local driving laws and about risks of ASD non-adherence. The need for a broader, multi-stakeholder re-examination of driving regulations for PWE is noted.

Impact of new guidelines and educational program on awareness of medical fitness to drive among general practitioners in Ireland

OBJECTIVE

To investigate changes in attitudes, resources, and practices of general practitioners (GPs) toward evaluating medical fitness to drive (MFTD) following the publication of national guidelines and an extensive educational programme in traffic medicine.

METHOD

Postal questionnaire survey to GPs (n = 1,000) in November 2013.

RESULTS

The final response rate was 46%. GPs are confident (57%) or very confident (14%) in assessing MFTD. There is a high awareness of the new Irish guidelines, with 86% of GPs using them for assistance in assessing MFTD. GPs are divided as to whether GPs (49%) or practitioners specially trained to assess MFTD (44%) should be primarily responsible for assessing MFTD. GPs expressed interest in traffic medicine educational programs, most notably a resource pack for continuous medical education (CME) Small Group learning (87%), MFTD software (71%), and an online moodle (68%). Many (68%) remain concerned about their liability in regard to MFTD assessments.

CONCLUSION

Irish GPs are confident in assessing MFTD and show a high level of awareness of the new guidelines. There is a clear interest among GPs in further educational supports and training in traffic medicine, particularly MFTD assessments.