‘Drive Safe’ initiatives: An analysis of improvements in mental health practices (2005–2013) to support safe driving

Abstract

Statement of context Driving can be important for enabling community participation. Mental illness and its treatment may disrupt fitness to drive, or people’s opportunities for learning to drive. This paper reflects on practice improvements in an Australian mental health organization. Critical reflection on practice Occupational therapists identified gaps in knowledge among the multi-disciplinary workforce about service users’ driver status, how to identify and manage driving issues, and how to support their beginning or resuming driving during recovery. Implications for practice The key initiatives: policy and practice guidelines, workforce training, driver assessment and consultation services, and service user information resources — have become embedded supports within the organization for promoting safe driving.