ABSTRACT

Objective : This study was conducted to determine a method for measuring the driving ability of drivers sufferingfrom a traumatic brain injury. Methods : We systematically searched published studies in MEDLINE, Ovid, IOS press, OT seeker, Cochrane library,and the Science Direct database from April to May 2013. The keywords used in the search were ‘automobiledriving’, ‘drive’, ‘driver’, and ‘brain injury or head injury’. Grade II rated evidence was found from eight studies,and grade III and V rated evidence was found from one study each. The methodological levels of the quantitativestudies were fair (3) and poor (7), and the qualitative study was good (1). Results : The measurements for the driving ability were 8, 7, and 6 based on a driving simulation,self-administration, and a real road test, respectively. The reported traffic accident variable was used mostfrequently (13.3%), and the self- perception of the driving ability was the next frequently used. The results of thedriving ability showed that TBI drivers had a significantly greater number of accidents and as a lower response fordangerous situations than normal persons or other patients. TBI drivers rated high in ability to drive on their own. Conclusion : This study presented a variety of variables to use when occupational therapists assess the drivingability for persons with TBI, and proposed that active and consistent training and management for an adaptivestrategy are needed for the resumption of driving with drivers with TBI.