Abstract
AbstractMETHODSTo identify high‐risk driving behaviors and risk factors for impaired driving in 186 chronic dialysis patients, a questionnaire was presented to patients that included questions regarding medical and driving history and medication use.RESULTSWe demonstrated a significant difference in the subjective perception of dialysis patients of their driving capabilities and the objective data identifying the conditions that make their driving unsafe. This was supported by the higher incidence of accidents in these patients. Of greater concern was the non‐recognition of the problem by the patients themselves, with the majority of them continuing to drive. Results also demonstrated a statistically significant association between use of sedatives and driving impairment in these patients (59.1% versus 37.4%, p = .005).DISCUSSIONMotor vehicle injuries are among the leading cause of injury‐related deaths in the elderly population. Individuals with end‐stage renal disease often experience a significant decline in their ability to drive safely due to musculoskeletal, neurologic, and cognitive impairments which may not improve with dialysis. Presently, no guidelines exist for assessing the safety of driving for individuals on chronic dialysis. The study provides data to recommend development of safe driving guidelines in dialysis patients and education of the dialysis patient care providers in identifying high‐risk patients.
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