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The Effect Of Visual Impairment Arising From The Eye Diseases Glaucoma And Age-related Maculopathy On Driving Safety
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,591.00
Summary
Driving-related injuries are a serious public health problem for older people. Visual impairment is a significant risk factor for crashes. This prospective study will determine how the eye diseases glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration impact on driving safety. The outcomes will be used to develop a simple, reliable and practical battery of tests that can identify those at risk of crashes and to inform screening and intervention programs, patient education and driver licensing.
Experimental Investigation Of Driving Impairment In Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,764.00
Summary
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) affects 2-4% of the adult population. Repetitive throat obstructions at night lead to sleep disturbance and oxygen deprivation which in turn lead to excessive daytime sleepiness and poor concentration. Studies in severely affected OSA patients have demonstrated driving simulator performance impairment and a 2-7 fold increased rate of motor vehicle accidents. Current data suggest that up to 50,000 MVAs may be caused each year in Australia by OSA. While driving impair ....Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) affects 2-4% of the adult population. Repetitive throat obstructions at night lead to sleep disturbance and oxygen deprivation which in turn lead to excessive daytime sleepiness and poor concentration. Studies in severely affected OSA patients have demonstrated driving simulator performance impairment and a 2-7 fold increased rate of motor vehicle accidents. Current data suggest that up to 50,000 MVAs may be caused each year in Australia by OSA. While driving impairment and increased crash risk in severe OSA seems clear it is not known whether patients with mild-moderate disease are also affected. This is an important question since patients with mild-moderate disease make up the great majority of OSA sufferers and therefore potentially pose the greatest concern for overall public safety. This study will determine whether mild-moderate, as well as severe, OSA is associated with driving impairment. The study will also determine how partial sleep deprivation and low dose alcohol impact on driving performance in OSA. These two behaviours are considered part of the norm for modern societies, yet we recently showed that they act synergistically to markedly impair driving in healthy subjects. We suspect that years of prior sleep disturbance and oxygen deprivation will render OSA sufferers more vulnerable to the effects of these additional central nervous system insults. Finally, we will determine how well driving impairment in severe OSA responds to nose mask CPAP treatment. We will find out what minimum level of treatment adherence is needed to produce significant improvement and whether driving impairment is ever truly reversed. The information obtained in this study will inform and significantly improve patient care,fitness to drive guidelines and driver safety campaigns.Read moreRead less
Supporting Older Adults With Dementia With Driving Cessation And Mobility: An Innovative Telehealth Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,868,907.00
Summary
This program addresses dementia and driving cessation, a significant life event for people with dementia and challenge in primary care. We will translate an evidence-based driving cessation intervention into a telehealth model and implement it in a national cRCT. Expectations are that drivers with dementia will make independent decisions about stopping driving, however interventions are urgently needed to support people with dementia, their families and GPs to manage the challenges.
Driving Under The Influence Of Psychoactive Prescription Benzodiazepines And Alcohol
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Driving enables people to travel to work and social events, and is thus an important determinant of quality of life. Driving is also a potentially dangerous activity, as there is a risk of becoming involved in accidents. In fact, car accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death. Whilst alcohol remains the most prevalent drug causing impairment of driving performance, other drugs, especially in combination with alcohol, are thought to increase collision risk.
Rolling It Out: Targeted Translation Intervention To Improve Driving Cessation Outcomes For People With Dementia Across Metropolitan And Regional Areas
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,644.00
Summary
This research addresses social, emotional and practical challenges that people with dementia face in dealing with stopping driving. A resource that provides practical and emotional support and education around stopping driving is required in primary care settings to improve quality of life of people with dementia and their carers, and support health professionals who monitor driving issues. This program will translate a research-based resource into GP clinics and community services in Australia.
The Relationship Between Accident Culpability And Drug Presence In Blood Samples Taken From Persons Injured In Motor Vehicle Collisions.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$200,721.00
Summary
This project aims to determine the incidence of drugs in blood samples taken under the Victorian Road Safety Act 1986 from drivers involved in non-fatal collisions, the relative importance of illicit drugs, legal drugs used as prescribed, and legal drugs misused by drivers in non-fatal collisions by examining driver culpability in these accidents.
Mothers' Sleep In The Postpartum Period: Effects On Safety-sensitive Tasks
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$71,252.00
Summary
Mothers' elevated sleepiness levels in the postpartum period and their exposure to safety-sensitive tasks is a significant issue that requires investigation. Research suggests that elevated sleepiness levels are associated with reduced cognitive and motor performance, which are vital when performing tasks with safety implications. This study will determine whether mothers' risk of injury, due to sleepiness, can be significantly reduced via improved knowledge and an evidence based intervention.
Evaluation Of A Group Intervention To Promote Older People's Adjustment To Driving Cessation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$350,755.00
Summary
As a result of age-related changes, chronic medical conditions, the side-effects of medication or a combination of these, many older people decide or are required to give up driving. Driving is a highly valued role, associated with freedom, independence and convenience. Because of this, the transition to driving cessation can be traumatic and associated with depression, social isolation and compromised well-being. Despite the frequent reporting of poor outcomes for older people after driving ces ....As a result of age-related changes, chronic medical conditions, the side-effects of medication or a combination of these, many older people decide or are required to give up driving. Driving is a highly valued role, associated with freedom, independence and convenience. Because of this, the transition to driving cessation can be traumatic and associated with depression, social isolation and compromised well-being. Despite the frequent reporting of poor outcomes for older people after driving cessation, limited attention has been given to developing and evaluating methods to help older people prepare for and cope with this transition. This study will evaluate the effect of a group intervention on older people's episodes away from home, use of alternative transport modes, life satisfaction, depression, and self-rated performance of and satisfaction with up to five lifestyle goals related to transport. This study will contribute to evidence for the effectiveness of a group intervention versus usual practice (which is to say, no intervention) to help older people maintain their well-being and stay engaged in valued roles, activities and the community after retiring from driving. It will also contribute to the theoretical underpinnings of adjustment after undergoing the transition to retired driver.Read moreRead less