OT Driving with Susie Q

In this episode explore using the GRID versus OT - DORA for your driving risk assessment.

Access the GRID here: https://adaptivemobility.thinkific.com/courses/GRID

Access OTs Role with Driving here: https://adaptivemobility.thinkific.com/courses/1-2023

In this short episode, I review how to find information about your state’s licensing medical and vision requirements.

Remember, if you are working with a client in the vehicle it is your responsibility to understand and meet all state regulatory and licensing requirements (i.e. DRP, CDI, LDI, driving school etc.).

In this episode we discuss using cognitive testing to help determine someone's level of risk, OT's role with addressing driving risk and not pass/fail outcomes, referral to a specialist, and the Generalist Resource to Integrate Driving. https://adaptivemobility.thinkific.com/courses/GRID

For my outpatient Driving Risk Assessment, I currently use a modified version of the GRID (Generalist Resoruce to Integrate Driving). In the past, I have also incorporated the MVPT-4 to assess visual perception capabilities and the UFOV (Useful Field of View) through Brain HQ to assess attention and processing speed. Have you ever used either of these two assessments to assess driving risk?

In this episode we discuss using the Colenbrander Mixed Contrast Sensitivity chart and the Smart Optometry potential application.

In this episode, I provide an overview of the difference between the role of the generalist OT in the clinic versus the specialist in the car. I explore recommendations for each and resources to help you confidently operate within your role.

OT Generalists - able to comment of driving risk & potential.

OT Specialists - able to comment on fitness to drive.

Learn more: https://adaptivemobility.thinkific.com/courses/1-2023

ONLINE: OT's Role with Driving

Can my 15 year old patient with arthrogryposis impacting both of his arms, learn to drive with just his feet?

Today's question comes from an OT Driving Specialist. The OT DRS had a new client call to s/p brain injury in 2021 to schedule an evaluation for a second opinion. The client was seen 6 months prior and did not do well, but this was with a different program. She has provided this OT with a copy of the report that highlights changes with reaction time, right and left turns, lane positioning, backing up, insight, mutli-step directions, etc.

#braininjury

#secondopininon

#occupationaltherapy

#otsuperhero

In this episode we talk about OT's role as a team member, communicated with the referring physician, and referring to your state licensing administration. 

In this special episode the tables are turned and my coach, Wayne, interviews me as part of his Business Builder Camp Podcast.

I share insights and stories I have learned along the way, as well as practical information to help keep me going and growing as a business builder.

Lots of fun nuggets in this one! Come take a peak inside my head.

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Want to create a life you love?

Want to create business that serves your lifestyle, family AND your clients?

This week’s guest is one of our own Business Builders, Susie Touchinsky.  

Listen to Susie’s hero’s journey and how she transitioned from working as an occupational therapist in the healthcare system to creating her ideal life, for herself and her family, by venturing out on her own. 

She makes the world a better place by serving people who have experienced an injury or illness that has affected their driving abilities. Susie shares insights about how technology is allowing people to get behind the wheel again and how it is expanding her business.  

Not only has she established Advanced Mobility to help drivers, Susie is also helping other OTs by providing an online training program and mentorship. 

We know that business building isn’t always easy.  Tune in to hear about Susie’s process on how to best make decisions based on her goals, mission and priorities and learn about the importance of making space to be reflective and creative.

Join me while I sit down with Dr. William Mansbach from BCAT! Dr. Mansbach is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mansbach Health Tools, LLC which supports the BCAT® Research Center.  Dr. Mansbach has an international reputation as a researcher, clinician, and consultant in the aging field.  He was a pioneer in the development of memory clinics and is the creator of the BCAT® and ENRICH® Systems, which integrate cognitive tests, interventions, and dementia prevention programs.

Today we discuss the CBS-8 and 15 FOR ME PROGRAM program.

Listen in! 

Please like, review, & share!

In this episode, my colleague asks if her mother, who was recently diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment really needs a driving evaluation. 

In this episode we talk about the American Occupational Therapy Association's Specially Certification in Driving and Community Mobility. To learn the most up-to-date information, visit aota.org/career/advanced-certification-program

In this short episode we talk about what it takes to become a CDRS and how you need to start in the field of driver rehab to gain experience before you pursue this credential. We also explore options for occupational therapist for gaining foundational education in driver rehabilitation.

Keep in mind, to become a specialist in driving you need:

• Advanced education, ideally with hands on training.
• A clear understanding of your state's regulatory and licensing laws, including your own personal requirements (is LDI, CDI, driving school needed?).
• A specialized driver rehab vehicle.
• Advanced liability insurance and coverage.
• AND mentorship - either formal or informal is STRONGLY encouraged.

ADED offers the DRP - Driver Rehab Professional - entry level credential and is the certifying body for the CDRS. Learn more at www.aded.net

Power-Mobility Community Driving Assessment (PCDA) Driving Assessment Forms

https://powermobilityalberta.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/driving-power-mobility-in-the-community.pdf

Power-Mobility Indoor Driving Assessment Manual (PIDA)

https://powermobilityalberta.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/pida_instructions_2006.pdf

If you had the choice would you hang out at the DMV? This experience might change your mind and feelings around going to the DMV. 

Whether you are introducing adaptive driving equipment in the clinic (on a simulator) or in a vehicle, you need the skills and training of an OT driver rehabilitation specialist to properly select, train, and prepare the client. In addition, while starting on a simulator can be great for teaching a new motor pattern, in-vehicle work is always needed before the OT DRS prescribes any adaptive driving equipment. 

#drivingchange

#OTsuperhero

#adaptivedrivingequipment

Question: I am an outpatient OT. Often my patients are seen by inpatient OT & acute rehab OT before they get to me .... not to mention all the doctors & other therapists they see. It always surprises me when I am the FIRST one to tell someone they should not currently driving. Today I evaluated a gentleman post-stroke with left side impairment. He's got a ways to go and we are feeling optimistic, but we were both shocked when I was the first one to bring up the topic of driving. I asked him to hold off on driving for now until we can regain more function of his left arm and his vision (also impacted) more formally assessed/addressed. It just blows my mine. When do you think OT should start talking about driving? At what level of care or stage of recovery? 

The OT Generalist is skilled in assessing driving risk. If you are an OT in the clinic, completing tests & measures to help consider driving, you should NOT be calling this a driving evaluation. A driving evaluation is completed by the OT DRS/CDRS. It requires advanced education & hands-on training, knowledge of in-car driving performance, specialized equipment, and specialized liability coverage. If you are an OT in the clinic ONLY completing clinic-based tests, you are performing a DRIVING RISK ASSESSMENT. This is an evolving area. It is important we stop, take a look at our programs and make sure we are labeling them correctly. 

Question: Where can I go to be inspired as an OT?

Answer: https://youtu.be/ImoY6DSmQRs