FEATURED MEDICAL EDUCATION TOPIC: Screening and Management of Age and Medically Related Driving Impairment

What is the problem?

Driving is an important means of mobility and independence for older adults, but as people age, they often experience impairments that interfere with their ability to drive safely. For example, in California (Title 17, California Code of Regulations, Section 2810) physicians and surgeons are required to report individuals with dementia, loss of consciousness, or seizures to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The AMA promotes physician involvement in identifying older adults at risk and has developed guidelines that provide tools and practice management aids.  Patients and families rely on health care professionals to help transition into driving retirement. Still, most physicians and other health professionals receive little training in assessing older drivers through previous schooling, post-graduate education, or professional societies.  It is important for them to gain the knowledge and skills to implement standardized screening.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learners will be able to:

• Identify the safety risks of older drivers and conditions that may put patients at risk for unsafe driving.
• Identify conditions that may put a patient at risk for unsafe driving.
• Name effective methods for clinically screening older drivers.
• State referral and treatment options for patients who have impairments that can impact driving.
• Utilize and apply state-specific DMV reporting requirements and methods.

If your medical staff needs an update on driving impairment screening and management, consider contacting our office to book a speaker at 877-505-4777 or info@speakersnetwork.com.

REFERENCES

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2813342

https://www.safemobilityfl.com/pdfs/CliniciansGuide/CliniciansGuideOlderDriversComplete4thEdition.pdf