Physicians' attitudes toward driving by persons with epilepsy in Korea: 2009 versus 2017 survey.

PURPOSE

This study compared physicians' attitudes toward the fitness of persons with epilepsy to drive between 2009 and 2017 in Korea.

METHODS

A questionnaire focusing on physicians' opinions about driving issues for persons with epilepsy was developed from literature reviews. Korean physicians were then surveyed anonymously via the online questionnaire in 2009 and in 2017.

RESULTS

The numbers of valid respondents were 118 in 2009 and 160 in 2017. The majority of respondents were neurologists. The preferred criterion for eligibility to drive in both surveys was 2 years free from seizure (41.5% in 2009 and 45.6% in 2017). However, the minimum seizure-free criterion for driving eligibility declined between 2009 and 2017. The changes in attitudes toward driving were significant only among physicians who had more than 10 patients with epilepsy per week. However, the proportion of physicians who agreed with 6-month seizure freedom as a criterion for fitness to drive was lower in 2017 than in 2009.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the preference of a 2-year seizure-free period as a criterion for fitness to drive did not change between 2009 and 2017, the minimum criterion for the seizure-free period did decline, particularly among physicians who had more than 10 patients with epilepsy per week in their clinic. The data support sustained efforts to promote education regarding aspects of epilepsy related to driving.