Year
2021
Units
9
Contact
On Campus
1 x 40-hour intensive workshop once-only
1 x 8-hour independent study weekly

Distance Online
5 x 7.5-hour intensive workshops once-only
Prerequisites
1 Admission into GCCR-Graduate Certificate in Clinical Rehabilitation
1a Admission into GDPCR-Graduate Diploma in Clinical Rehabilitation
1b Admission into MCR-Master of Clinical Rehabilitation
1c Admission into MCRNOT-Master of Clinical Rehabilitation (Neurological Occupational Therapy)
1d Admission into MCRA-Master of Clinical Rehabilitation [1.5 years]
1e Admission into MHCR/R-Master of Health and Clinical Research
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a or 1b or 1c or 1d or 1e))
Course context

This topic is only available to qualified Occupational Therapists.

Assessment
Assignments; Practical work; Tutorial participation.
Topic description

This topic will provide occupational therapists with the training required to be able to practice within the advanced area of driver assessment and retraining for people with medical conditions, as supported by the National Medical Standards for Assessing Fitness to Drive. Recognising the interprofessional collaboration with licensing bodies, driving instructors and vehicle modifiers required within this clinical area, the topic will explore key issues that impact upon the driver assessment and rehabilitation process, including medico-legal requirements, state legislation, cognitive, perceptual, visual and physical function required, on-road assessment, and will assist students to appropriately communicate recommendations and reports following assessment. Practical experience will accompany the theoretical material covered.

Educational aims

This topic aims to:

  • Provide all necessary legislative and practical understanding in order to practice as an occupational therapist within this advanced area
  • Explore methods and practice assessments of physical, visual, perceptual and cognitive function
  • Review ergonomics and appropriate vehicle modification
  • Provide sufficient practical exposure to assessment and reporting of recommendations
Expected learning outcomes
On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:

  1. Describe models of driver behaviour and discuss the application of the Assessing Fitness to Drive Guidelines and Standards for Health Professionals in Australia within the context of federal and local legislation, ethical and medico-legal requirements
  2. Identify appropriate assessments of visual, cognitive, perceptual and physical function, and analyse these results for appropriate rehabilitation and recommendation
  3. Complete an on-road assessment, determine appropriate vehicle modifications based on the patient assessment, and formulate and appropriately communicate these assessment outcomes and recommendations
  4. Complete a written report considering all necessary medico-legal requirements
  5. Critically appraise recent evidence in regards to driver assessment and rehabilitation and demonstrate application of this to practice