The Clinical Usefulness of the Practice Resource for Driving after Stroke (PReDAS)

Abstract

Occupational Therapists (OTs) have identified a critical need for organized, evidence-based resources to approach driving post-stroke. The Practice Resource for Driving After Stroke (PReDAS) is a resource to support the clinical reasoning and practice of health professionals for addressing driving in acute stroke care. The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the usefulness of the PReDAS to support clinician and patient decision-making about return to driving after stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) in the acute care hospital setting. OTs, physicians, and patients diagnosed with stroke/TIA were surveyed regarding their experience with the PReDAS in acute care. Patient participants were also contacted for a follow-up questionnaire. OT, physician and patient stakeholders reported the PReDAS was useful to support decision-making for driving. The majority of patients recalled information provided in acute care and abstained from driving as advised. This study provides preliminary support for the clinical usefulness of the PReDAS.

Keywords:

• Stroke
• occupational therapy
• transient ischemic attack
• driving
• clinical reasoning
• evidence-based practice

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Ethics board

Tri-Hospital Ethics Board of Grand River Hospital, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada (THREB# 2019-0674).

Funding

No funding was received for this project.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

April Vander Veen

April Vander Veen is a PhD Student, practicing occupational therapist in acute stroke care, and codeveloper of the PReDAS.

Michael Cammarata

Mr. Michael Cammarata is an Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy Program at D’Youville College. He is a registered occupational therapist in stroke and neurological rehabilitation, and is pursuing his doctoral studies in Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Sarah Renner

Sarah Renner is a practicing occupational therapist in acute stroke care and co-developer of the PReDAS.

Liliana Alvarez

Dr. Liliana Alvarez is an Assistant Professor in the School of Occupational Therapy at Western University and the current Program Coordinator of Research for the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Her program of research focuses on at-risk drivers across the life span.