Evaluating driving safety in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia can be challenging. This MedCase discusses driving assessment for a patient with mild dementia using the 2014 Clinical guideline on Dementia and Driving Safety and the Hui Process, a four-step approach to building relationships with Māori patients and whānau.
Health clinicians we are under obligation to consider the driving safety of patients, especially in those who suffer from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Dementia. However the decision as to whether a person with dementia is fit to drive is complex, and often traumatic for the person with dementia. This guideline was developed in the Northern Region to assist all clinical staff in assessing the driving safety of a person who wish to continue driving in the context of having cognitive impairment.
BPAC has a useful summary of considerations for GPS around driving and older people, including those with dementia. Note: this resource was created in 2010
A useful set of guidelines and considerations for medical professionals involved in making determinations of driving safety.
The purpose of this article is to clarify the current New Zealand driving licensing requirements for older adults and to provide practical recommendations for those health professionals who make decisions regarding driving ability in older adults based on a review and consultation with health professionals involved in the assessment of older drivers.
