ABSTRACT

Objective : The aim of this study was to investigate the awareness and need for driving rehabilitation for strokepatients in Busan and Gimhae. Methods : A questionnaire consisting of three parts was given: 13 items on the general characteristics, 7 items onthe current or previous state of driving ability, and 16 items on the awareness and need for driving rehabilitation. The survey period was from December 2013 to January 2014. One-hundred and fourteen questionnaires wereanalyzed in total. Results : More than 50.0% answered ‘I don’t know anything about that’ regarding the motor function fitnessassessment and the driving education institution for the disabled. Awareness regarding a supportive policy fordisabled drivers was higher for drivers than for non-drivers. More than 80.0% answered that a drivingrehabilitation institution for the disabled, a cognitive or perceptual assessment for driving fitness, car remodelingfor the disabled, and a prescription of driving assistive devices for the disabled are ‘necessary.’ The need for adriving rehabilitation program for non-drivers was higher than for drivers. The special field that the respondentsperceived as the most appropriate for driving rehabilitation was occupational therapy. They answered that anexpansion of education and training facilities is a top priority, with financial support and advertising being the nextmost important elements, for improvements in driving rehabilitation of the disabled. Conclusion : To develop a driving rehabilitation system for people suffering a stroke, institutional support, such asfinancial aid and the installation of driving rehabilitation centers; professional responsibility, including a roleexpansion and reinforcement of occupational therapists; and active promotion are needed.