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Medical education on fitness to drive: a survey of all UK medical schools
  1. C A Hawley1,
  2. N D Galbraith2,
  3. V A deSouza3
  1. 1
    Health Sciences Research Institute, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
  2. 2
    Applied Research Centre in Health and Lifestyle Interventions, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
  3. 3
    Department of Public Health, Health Service Executive West (Mid Western Area), Limerick, Eire
  1. Dr C A Hawley, Health Sciences Research Institute, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK; c.a.hawley{at}warwick.ac.uk

Abstract

Aim: To identify the extent to which medical aspects of fitness to drive (FTD) are taught within UK medical schools.

Methods: A survey of all 32 UK medical schools. In-depth interviews with a range of staff at two medical schools; telephone survey of 30 schools.

Results: Two thirds of schools reported specific teaching on medical aspects of FTD but few covered it in any depth or in relation to specific medical conditions. Only one school taught FTD in relation to elderly medicine. FTD was an examination topic at only 12 schools.

Conclusion: Teaching on FTD is inconsistent across UK medical schools. Many new doctors will graduate with limited knowledge of medical aspects of FTD.

  • driving
  • elderly medicine
  • knowledge
  • medical education

http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/pgmj.2008.067959

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    Footnotes

    • ▸ Appendix is published online only at http://postgradmedj.com/content/vol84/issue998

    • Funding: This study was commissioned and funded by the Department for Transport (DfT). The findings and recommendations are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the DfT.

    • Competing interests: None.

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