IMPASS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving the assessment of driving safety in cognitive impairment
IRAS ID
264675
Contact name
Paul Donaghy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
CNTW NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Most older people in Great Britain are current driving licence holders. As a result, many people with cognitive impairment (dementia or mild cognitive impairment) are drivers. Clinicians have a responsibility to advise patients regarding the impact of their cognitive impairment on driving, but there is little research evidence to support such advice.
The aim of this project is to develop a tool that can be used to classify drivers with cognitive impairment as ‘likely safe’, ‘likely unsafe’ and ‘uncertain (requires further assessment)’.
People with cognitive impairment that have been referred for a Driving Mobility assessment will be approached for participation in the study. Driving Mobility assessment includes an assessment of physical function, a screening assessment of visual function, cognitive assessment utilising a defined battery and an on-road driving assessment lasting between 45 minutes and an hour. Prior to this assessment, the PhD student will assess a range of clinical variables thought to be associated with driving safety during a home visit. The strongest predictors of Driving Mobility assessment outcome will be identified and included in a tool to help assess driving safety. This tool will then be tested versus a Driving Mobility assessment in an independent group.
If successful this tool will support clinicians to more accurately assess driving safety. This will ensure that steps are taken to maintain the safety of people with cognitive impairment and other road users when necessary and also prevent the distress caused by unnecessary curtailment of driving in those that are safe to drive.
REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
19/NI/0220
Date of REC Opinion
17 Dec 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion