Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. Mandy Meyer

Abstract

Introduction: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be a severe injury that causes lasting effects such as visual changes, challenges with concentration and memory, and problems with coordination and balance (Centers for Disease Control, 2024). This can impact an individual’s ability to safely return to the valued occupation of driving. Occupational therapists will commonly assess an individual’s ability to return to drive following a TBI, but they experience challenges in doing so due to a lack of standard method in assessing one’s safety while operating a motor vehicle (Baker et al., 2015; Tamietto et al., 2006; Classen et al., 2009; Unsworth et al., 2005; Egeto et al., 2019; Coleman et al., 2002; Pietrapiana et al., 2005; Schultheis & Whipple, 2014). The purpose of this scholarly project is to provide occupational therapy practitioners with a resource they can use in the clinic to improve their confidence and ability to assess an individual’s fitness to drive.

Methodology: A literature review was completed to analyze the current evidence-based literature surrounding assessment measures used to evaluate an individual’s ability to safely return to driving. The Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model (Baptiste, 2017) and the Occupational Therapy-Develop Readiness Intervention Verification Evaluation (OT-DRIVE) model (Davis & Dickerson, 2017) were used to guide the conceptualization of this scholarly project.

Product: The clinician resource, Determining Driving Ability Following Traumatic Brain Injury, was developed to improve a practitioner’s ability to complete driving evaluations with confidence and efficiency. It also helps to improve both a patient’s and a caregiver’s understanding of the education and recommendations that are provided to them upon completing the evaluation. The product includes an organizational chart for practitioners to use when completing driving evaluations, four patient and caregiver handouts that include education on the skills assessed and future recommendations, one handout that provides information on community resources they can utilize if needed, and a visual comparison chart to display as results are reviewed following the evaluation.

Conclusion: Determining Driving Ability Following Traumatic Brain Injury: An Occupational Therapy Practitioner Resource was developed to improve occupational therapy practitioners’ accuracy and clinical decision-making when conducting driving evaluations. This product will also help to improve the communication of results gathered for patients and caregivers.

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