When can I drive? Advising patients when to drive after general surgical procedures

Abstract

Introduction Advising patients when they are medically fit to drive following general surgical procedures is crucial to minimise risk to patients, the general public as road user’s and pedestrians and also avoid negligence claims against medical practitioners. Historically, in the UK, this advice has come from a number of sources including surgeons, general practitioners, insurers and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The aim of this study was to review how current surgical teams distribute this advice and what this advice is based upon. Materials and methods An online survey was devised and distributed to all consultant general surgeons and trainees in the North East of England via email. Leading vehicle insurance companies and the DVLA were contacted to assess what advice they gave for specific procedures (ventral hernia, appendicectomy, cholecystectomy, fundoplication). Results A total of 135 surveys were distributed, 56 were returned, with a response rate of 41.5%. Twenty-two (39.3%) of respondents were consultants, 30 (53.6%) were speciality trainees (ST3-8) and 4 (7.1%) were core surgical trainees (CT1-2). Some (14.2%) gave driving advice to every patient, 39.3% gave advice to most patients; 42.9% gave advice pre-operatively in clinic, 39.3% gave the advice pre-operatively on the day of surgery, and 96.4% of responders based their advice on traditional teaching. Discussion and conclusions: There is variation in the content and timing of advice regarding driving after general surgical procedures. This inconsistency will undoubtedly lead to incorrect information being distributed to patients and will impact post-operative patient safety. We suggest formulating consistent advice in a written format, standardising the process which in turn will protect patients and surgeons.