Robin Lovell

Supporting individuals to make informed personal mobility choices : development and trial of an evidence-based community mobility education program.

Individuals want to make informed choices about mobility transitions to retain dignity and independence as they age. The Transport Accident Commission initiated the development, trial, and evaluation of a health promotion education program to meet this need. A participative model was applied and program instruction goals focused on community and driver safety, how health and aging influence transportation independence, mobility options, and resources. Data collected from 94 individuals yielded positive outcomes: the target group was reached (90% were 60 years or older), community mobility information was retained, and participants were satisfied with program content and resources.

Survey on Victorian driver assessors' experience of critical incidents.

AIM To determine the prevalence of critical incidents among driver assessors, identify the type and frequency of critical incidents experienced and the strategies used to cope following these incidents. METHOD Mail survey of 70 Victorian occupational therapy driver assessors. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS Almost 60% of driver assessors had experienced one or more critical incidents. Most frequently occurring incidents were near collisions and aggressive/threatening clients. Support was most often obtained from the driving instructor involved in the assessment. Older people with cognitive impairment were the client group most commonly involved. CONCLUSION Greater acknowledgement and awareness of critical incidents and the importance of strategies to assist in the prevention and management of critical incidents are essential.