Psychiatric Bulletin (2005) 29: 372-373. doi: 10.1192/pb.29.10.372
© 2005 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Psychiatric Bulletin (2005) 29: 372-373
© 2005 The Royal College of Psychiatrists

Audit of clinicians’ approach to patients’ driving status in a dementia day hospital setting

Philip Baker, Senior House Officer in Psychiatry

Chase Farm Hospital, The Ridgeway, Enfield EN2 8JL, e-mail: philip.baker{at}doctors.org.uk

Tim Rogers, Senior House Officer in Psychiatry

Chase Farm Hospital, Enfield

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

To examine whether driving is discussed with patients attending a specialist day hospital for dementia and whether appropriate action is taken. Patients’ notes were reviewed for evidence of such discussion. A questionnaire was implemented before the audit was repeated 6 months later.

RESULTS

During the first cycle 44 patients’ notes were assessed and 38 were assessed on repeat audit. The documentation of discussions regarding driving increased from 23 to 95% of notes following implementation of the questionnaire.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

By discussing driving status, important legal, insurance and safety issues can be addressed. Routine use of a simple questionnaire dramatically improved the likelihood of such discussion. These findings apply for all conditions requiring Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency notification.