A geriatric and gerontologic perspective on the effects of medical conditions on older drivers: discussion of Waller.
In discussing Waller's paper, we build on his review of medical conditions and the risk of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) using principles derived from geriatrics, gerontology, and health services research. Three approaches are suggested. The medical model uses discrete diseases as risk factors, but despite its utility and appeal, this model does not sufficiently characterize health and functional status to be the sole approach, and future investigative efforts should at least consider severity of illness concepts. The functional status model emphasizes a functional and physiological approach to health status, but despite its successful application in geriatric assessment and its investigative promise, functional status can be difficult to measure and has not been validated in relation to MVA risk. Finally we consider a behavioral model and within that framework discuss the relation of depressive and other emotional illnesses as well as social vitality to driving patterns and MVA occurrence.
Wallace
R B
RB
Department of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242.
Retchin
S M
SM
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors