The healthcare professionals’ role in road safety in primary care settings in Canada: A qualitative study

Abstract Background: During the aging process, many seniors will see their ability to drive affected, particularly due to the high prevalence of health problems. To this end, healthcare professionals working in primary care are in frequent contact with older drivers at risk and for whom interventions have to be undertaken. However, little is known about their role, despite the major implications with legal authorities in assessing fitness to drive and in reporting unsafe drivers, especially in a Quebec setting. The purpose of this study was to describe the role of primary healthcare professionals in road safety. Methods: Within a descriptive qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 27 primary healthcare professionals (registered nurses (n=16), occupational therapists (n=7), and family physicians (n=4)). Using an inductive approach, qualitative data was analyzed with the content analysis method. Results: The road safety role of the primary healthcare professionals interviewed varied between professions, depending on their respective expertise. Furthermore, they work in close collaboration and interdisciplinarity. Their role is divided into two main components, namely screening and assessment of older drivers’ driving abilities, as well as of the support and accompaniment offered to seniors following the loss of their driving license. Their role also differs in terms of legally declaring older drivers fit or not to drive. Some professionals integrate preventive interventions into their practice, aimed either to keep seniors driving as long as possible, or to prepare seniors to stop driving. Several healthcare professionals reported experiencing challenges, especially during the process of assessing their elderly patients’ fitness to drive. Conclusions: This study’s results will help organizations to develop training programs allowing primary healthcare professionals to improve their practice with elderly drivers and their loved ones.