An exploration of the process of assessing fitness to drive after stroke within an Irish context of practice

Abstract

Determining fitness to drive after stroke within the Irish context of practice is a process lacking in agreed protocols or guidelines. Despite international research and recommended gold standard practice, actual practice on the ground remains individualised with many therapists unsure and lacking confidence in addressing this issue with their stroke patients. This is also an area of practice that has not been researched prospectively in the Irish context, and there are no Irish based research studies to guide its development. Currently, in Ireland, occupational therapy involvement is limited to the clinical based off-road assessment, and the on-road assessment is conducted by an on-road assessor either working in a private capacity or within one voluntary organisation.