Outcomes Discussion: Step 3 of the Driving Rehab Assessment Process
The final step in the 3-part comprehensive driving evaluation is the outcomes discussion. After you complete both the clinical driver assessment and the on-the-road evaluation, we bring everything together to review what the DRS has observed and determine the safest next steps for the patient.
During this conversation, we strongly encourage having a trusted family member or friend present with you. Another set of ears can be very helpful when discussing recommendations that have to do with independence and safety.
What We’ll Discuss
As an OT and CDRS, we will explain what patterns we saw in both step 1 and step 2 of the driver assessment process. We’ll touch on how your vision, movement, reaction time, and cognitive skills aligned with your real-world driving performance.
Outcomes of a driver evaluation can vary based on individual circumstances. The following may be possible.
Fit to Drive
If your clinical testing and on-road performance demonstrate consistent strengths, we may recommend that you continue to drive.
Additional Driver Rehabilitation
If there are some areas of concern but the potential is there for improvement, we may suggest you receive additional training or a follow-up driving assessment.
Adaptive Equipment Recommendations
In some cases, additional driver rehab training and then prescriptions for adaptive driving equipment may support you for safer driving performance.
Driving Retirement
In some cases, we may recommend moving from a driver to a passenger if we see increased safety risks during your driving assessment. We will be in contact with your referring physician when it is appropriate to make sure all decisions are in line.
Throughout the entire driver assessment process, we have a goal to support your independence and prioritize your safety at the same time. We provide objective data and clear recommendations along with compassionate guidance so that you and your family can make the best decision for you. Our goal is to partner with you to help ensure safety and independence.
Susie Touchinsky, OTR/L, SCDCM, CDRS is an occupational therapy certified driver rehabilitation specialist, with experience as a driving instructor, and owner of Adaptive Mobility Services, LLC serving southeastern, PA and surrounding areas including Orwigsburg, Reading, Hershey, Harrisburg, Allentown, and throughout Pennsylvania.
For decades, Susie has been committed to helping drivers understand and improve their driving ability and confidence after medical illness, a major medical event, health conditions, and injury.