Murphy S F, Martin-Smith J D, Martin-Smith W, O'Broin E, Clover A J P
Department of Plastic Surgery, Cork University Hospital, Cork.
The Law Library, Four Courts, Dublin.
Ir Med J. 2016 Dec 12;109(10):484.
Patients recovering from hand surgery frequently ask when it is safe to drive and it is unclear where the responsibility lies; the surgeon, the patient or the insurance company. An eight-question survey looking at various aspects of clinical practice was circulated to consultant and trainee plastic and orthopaedic surgeons in Ireland and the UK. Of the 89 surgeons who replied, (53%) felt the decision when to drive was the patient's compared with the insurance company (40%) and the surgeon (7%). 80% advised patients to contact their insurance company. 87% were unaware of current regulations or guidelines. National guidelines were vague and left the decision with the treating doctor. Similarly, major insurers advise patients to contact their doctor for advice. From a legal standpoint, the patient has a duty of care to other road users to be in full control of his vehicle prior to driving, regardless of any advice received.
手部手术后正在康复的患者经常会问何时开车才安全，而责任归属并不明确，是外科医生、患者还是保险公司。一项针对临床实践各个方面的包含八个问题的调查在爱尔兰和英国的整形外科和骨科顾问医生及实习医生中进行了分发。在回复的89位外科医生中，53%的人认为何时开车的决定权在患者，相比之下，认为在保险公司的占40%，认为在外科医生的占7%。80%的人建议患者联系他们的保险公司。87%的人不知道现行的法规或指南。国家指南含糊不清，将决定权留给了主治医生。同样，主要保险公司建议患者联系医生获取建议。从法律角度来看，患者有责任在开车前完全控制好自己的车辆，以照顾其他道路使用者，无论收到何种建议。
