Australian health professionals' perceptions about the management of return to driving early after stroke: A mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND

Stroke can affect a person's ability to drive a motor vehicle. In Australia, there is a 4-week restriction in driving after stroke and a 2-week restriction after transient ischemic attack. Concerns exist as to whether people discharged home from the acute setting receive education about these driving restrictions.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to investigate health professionals' knowledge about, and responsibilities for patients return-to-driving (RTD) education after stroke and TIA.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey was designed and included questions about health professional demographic characteristics and knowledge and opinions of RTD guidelines. An open-ended question at the end of the survey enabled respondents to provide additional, free text information. Descriptive analyses were used to describe respondents' demography and characteristics. Chi-square analysis was used to compare responses across the different professional groups. Significance was tested using a -value of 0.05. Data obtained from the free text question were analyzed through an inductive thematic approach.

RESULTS

A total of 455 health professionals responded to the survey, with 45% being occupational therapists. Only 22% of health professionals correctly selected the 4-week restriction period after stroke and 27% selected the 2-week restriction period for those with TIA. Occupational therapists were identified by 85% of respondents as the profession responsible for providing RTD education, followed by doctors (72%). Health professionals lack clarity in RTD guidelines and often defer the responsibility of managing RTD to others.

CONCLUSIONS

Education of health professionals in RTD guidelines is recommended to improve the processes of care after stroke.