The Role of the Occupational Therapist in Driver Rehabilitation After Stroke

Aims: The purpose of this study was to identify and examine the current practices, strengths, and needs of clinicians who provide driver rehabilitation following stroke. Methods: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with occupational therapists from three major stroke rehabilitation hospitals in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Results: When determining medical fitness to drive after stroke, clinicians reported using office-based measures to screen physical-motor (e.g., strength, range-of-motion) and cognitive-perceptual abilities (e.g., Trail Making Test A and B). Interventions used to improve readiness to return to driving included a combination of tabletop (e.g., letter scanning worksheet), physical (e.g., throw and catch), and technology-based activities (e.g., driving simulator). Conclusions: This study provides information on clinical practices specific to driving rehabilitation after stroke. Results highlight the need for standardizing office-based approaches for assessment and determining interventions based on the best available evidence that reflects the skills needed for driving.