Primary care physicians hold the car keys: A qualitative exploration of the driver assessment role.
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| Title: | Primary care physicians hold the car keys: A qualitative exploration of the driver assessment role. |
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| Authors: | Gillett JM; MBBS, FRACGP, FAChPM, MFM, BA (Hons), MLCOM, DMSMed, DipAc, FACRRM, Palliative Care Physician, St Andrew@s Hospital, Toowoomba, Qld; Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld., King M; PhD, MBA, BSc (Hons) (Psych), Adjunct Associate Professor, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld., Carroll JA; PhD, Lecturer, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld., White M; PhD, Associate Professor, School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld. |
| Source: | Australian journal of general practice [Aust J Gen Pract] 2025 Dec; Vol. 54 (12), pp. 903-908. |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Country of Publication: Australia NLM ID: 101718099 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 2208-7958 (Electronic) NLM ISO Abbreviation: Aust J Gen Pract Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Original Publication: East Melbourne, Victoria : Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, [2018]- |
| MeSH Terms: | Physicians, Primary Care*/psychology , Physicians, Primary Care*/standards , Physicians, Primary Care*/statistics & numerical data , Automobile Driving*/psychology , Automobile Driver Examination*/statistics & numerical data , Automobile Driver Examination*/psychology, Humans ; Qualitative Research ; Male ; Female ; Queensland ; Interviews as Topic/methods ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Middle Aged |
| Abstract: | Background and Objectives: Australians are living and continuing to drive while older because of improved medical care. Queensland drivers aged over 75 years submit to annual mandatory medical examinations, which is often stressful for both general practitioner (GP) and patient. Driving cessation has negative health outcomes, yet impaired driving is dangerous. This study's aim was to elucidate factors that could lead to a more standardised, fair mandatory assessment. Method: Ten GPs' semi-structured interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA). Results: Themes from the data obtained were: relationships; the big worry; and standards, equity and fairness. GPs acknowledged the difficulty conducting these assessments. Focused education was lacking. Senior doctors only saw long-term patients whereas registrars were assigned new patients. Cognitive impairment was difficult to assess and legal-liability was concerning. Discussion: Current inequities stem from lack of focused GP education; a mismatch of GP skills for new patient assessments; unfunded functional assessment; and ill‑defined legal liability. |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20251202 Date Completed: 20251202 Latest Revision: 20251202 |
| Update Code: | 20251203 |
| DOI: | 10.31128/AJGP-02-25-7570 |
| PMID: | 41330538 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
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Nájsť tento článok vo Web of Science | Abstract: | Background and Objectives: Australians are living and continuing to drive while older because of improved medical care. Queensland drivers aged over 75 years submit to annual mandatory medical examinations, which is often stressful for both general practitioner (GP) and patient. Driving cessation has negative health outcomes, yet impaired driving is dangerous. This study's aim was to elucidate factors that could lead to a more standardised, fair mandatory assessment.<br />Method: Ten GPs' semi-structured interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA).<br />Results: Themes from the data obtained were: relationships; the big worry; and standards, equity and fairness. GPs acknowledged the difficulty conducting these assessments. Focused education was lacking. Senior doctors only saw long-term patients whereas registrars were assigned new patients. Cognitive impairment was difficult to assess and legal-liability was concerning.<br />Discussion: Current inequities stem from lack of focused GP education; a mismatch of GP skills for new patient assessments; unfunded functional assessment; and ill‑defined legal liability. |
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| ISSN: | 2208-7958 |
| DOI: | 10.31128/AJGP-02-25-7570 |