Impact of New Regulations On Assessing Driving Status (INROADS): A South Australian seizure clinic cohort

Abstract

The ability to drive is important to patients and driving restriction often leads to restriction of employment and social opportunities. In March 2012, Austroads released revised Assessing Fitness to Drive Guidelines (AFTDG) with significant changes for drivers with seizures and epilepsy. Our study aimed to assess the impact of the 2012 AFTDG on a Seizure Clinic cohort compared to the previous 2003 AFTDG and an individual’s current driving status. We also aimed to quantify the difference in AFTDG interpretation between expert and non-expert doctors. We performed a retrospective observational audit of case notes for all patients managed in a public hospital outpatient Seizure Clinic between 1 March 2010 and 1 March 2012. A total of 142 patients were included in the analysis. Comparison between the 2003 and 2012 AFTDG resulted in reduced eligibility to drive a private vehicle by 2.1% (52.5% versus 50.4%) and commercial vehicle by 2.2% (4.5% versus 2.3%). The proportion of those currently driving against guideline recommendations increased (private 8.8% versus 19%; commercial 50% versus 100%) and the non-expert assessor was more likely to agree with the experts with the 2012 AFTDG. In summary, the 2012 AFTDG has had a measurable impact on driving eligibility in individuals with seizure although it is easier to interpret for non-expert doctors. Greater awareness of the 2012 AFTDG is required to reduce the proportion of patients driving against current recommendations.