title: Evaluating driving as a valued instrumental activity of daily living.
abstract: The purpose of this translational research article is to illustrate how general practice occupational therapists have the skills and knowledge to address driving as a valued occupation using an algorithm based on the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (2nd ed.; American Occupational Therapy Association, 2008b). Evidence to support the model is offered by a research study. Participants were compared on their performance of complex instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and a behind-the-wheel driving assessment. A significant relationship was found between the process skills from the performance assessment and whether the driver passed, failed, or needed restrictions as indicated by the behind-the-wheel assessment. The evidence suggests that occupational therapists using observational performance evaluation of IADLs can assist in determining who might be an at-risk driver. The algorithm addresses how driver rehabilitation specialists can be used most effectively and efficiently with general practice occupational therapy practitioners meeting the needs of senior drivers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, 3305 Health Sciences Building, Greenville, NC 27858-4354, USA. dickersona@ecu.edu
authors.forename: Anne E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Dickerson
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Reistetter
authors.forename: Elin Schold
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Monahan
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001334:Automobile Driving; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*