Canadian psychiatrists' current attitudes, practices, and knowledge regarding fitness to drive in individuals with mental illness: A cross-Canada survey

Abstract

Objectives: To assess current attitudes, practices, and knowledge of Canadian psychiatrists regarding fitness to drive in individuals with mental illness and to explore variations according to provincial legislation. Method: We carried out a national cross-sectional survey, using a random sample of psychiatrists. We used a mail survey to collect data. Results: In total, 248 psychiatrists participated; the response rate was 54.2% on traced subjects. The majority (64.1%) reported that they strongly agreed or agreed that addressing patients' fitness to drive is an important issue. However, only 18.0% of respondents were always aware of whether their patients were active drivers. One-fourth strongly agreed or agreed that they were confident in their ability to evaluate fitness to drive. In discretionary provinces, 29.3% of psychiatrists reported not knowing their provincial legislation, as did 14.6% of psychiatrists in mandatory provinces; of those responding, 54.0% from discretionary provinces and 2.8% from mandatory provinces gave incorrect answers. Discussion: Psychiatrists' responses demonstrate a broad range of attitudes, practices, and knowledge. There appears to be a large gap between what is expected of psychiatrists and their readiness and self-perceived ability to make informed clinical decisions related to driving safety. Conclusion: There is a clear need for education and guidelines to assist psychiatrists in decision making about driving fitness.