Survey of driving evaluation and rehabilitation curricula in occupational therapy programs

Am J Occup Ther. 2011 Mar-Apr;65(2):217-20. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2011.000810.

Abstract

Objective: Our purpose in this study was to examine the preclinical curricular content pertaining to driving evaluation and rehabilitation (DE/R) included in professional entry-level occupational therapy programs.

Method: An e-mail survey containing questions about the program's structure and extent of course material related to DE/R in the curriculum was sent to directors of all 144 U.S. accredited professional entry-level occupational therapy programs.

Results: Ninety programs responded (62.5% response rate), of which 80 included content related to DE/R in some required courses, and 9 programs offered a required course specifically in DE/R. Approximately 18% of the respondent programs offered electives with DE/R content.

Conclusion: Of the respondent professional entry-level occupational therapy programs, few offer a required course specifically devoted to DE/R, butalmost all programs integrate DE/R content into required coursework, thus satisfying the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education standards related to driver rehabilitation.

MeSH terms

  • Automobile Driving*
  • Curriculum*
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Humans
  • Occupational Therapy / education*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires