Understanding the Health Practitioner’s perspective on assessing medical fitness to drive in Western Australia.

Understanding the Health Practitioner’s perspective on assessing medical fitness to drive in Western Australia. Christopher Pearce & Marilyn Pearce Home & Driving Occupational Therapy Services Since the introduction of Mandatory Reporting into Western Australia in March 2008, drivers are required to report all permanent or long-term medical conditions which may impact on their ability to drive safely. Of these, a significant proportion of individual’s are then required to seek medical assessment to determine their fitness to drive. Currently this assessment occurs through their General Practitioner, and/or further occupational therapy or specialist opinion. This presentation reviews the outcomes of a survey that was completed by the relevant stakeholders involved in the assessment of individual’s medical fitness to drive (including General Practitioners, Specialist Consultants and Occupational Therapists). The purpose of the survey was to identify gaps in knowledge of the assessment and reporting process, and compile feedback from those health practitioners who assess an individual’s medical fitness to drive. Approximately 250 health practitioners were surveyed from across the Perth metropolitan region. By presenting the results of this survey, we hope to increase awareness of issues surrounding medical assessment of a person’s fitness to drive, increase understanding of the mandatory reporting process, and increase awareness of the different health practitioner’s role. This knowledge will help to identify areas where future resources should be directed to ensure road safety for all road users.