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Affiliation
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North Dakota State University , Department of Human Development and Family Science, Dept. 2615 , PO Box 6050, Fargo , ND 58108-9080 , USA , Phone, Email: melissa.oconnor@ndsu.edu. |
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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of health care provider (HCP) driving safety/cessation-related anticipatory guidance provision and predictors of driving safety-related anticipatory guidance provision by HCPs.
METHODS: HCPs in several central/upper Midwest states were surveyed about frequency of anticipatory guidance provision (n = 265).
RESULTS: More than half of HCPs stated they frequently or always provide driving safety/cessation-related anticipatory guidance to patients aged 85 or older, while 38.7% provided this guidance to patients aged 75 to 84, and 13.7% to patients aged 65 to 74. Predictors of driving safety/cessation-related anticipatory guidance provision differed by patient age. For patients aged 65-74, HCP personal experience with a motor vehicle crash (either the HCP themselves, or a friend/family member) was significant in predicting anticipatory guidance provision. However, for patients aged 75 and older, significant predictors included HCP rural practice, HCP age, and percentage of HCP patients who were older adults.
CONCLUSION: HCP counseling provision related to driving issues differs by patient age and several HCP characteristics, including HCP rurality, age, and personal experience with motor vehicle crashes. Because aging results in physical and mental changes which affect driving, and which can be identified by HCPs, HCPs are in a position to counsel patients on the potential impacts of aging on the act of driving. Future research should examine the reasons for the differences in anticipatory guidance provision found in this study.
Language: en |