Psychiatric illness, medication and driving: an audit of documentation

Guidelines on advising patients on fitness to drive have been published recently by the Road Safety Authority in collaboration with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. The aim of this audit is to assess if the new guidelines are being adhered to.

Examination of the documentation and adherence to the guidelines in the inpatient psychiatric unit, Mayo General Hospital.

Of the 100 patients included in audit cycle one, none had any specific documentation about driving. One patient was admitted with alcohol misuse and was driving. On re-auditing, following presentation at academic meeting and education of team members on the guidelines, there was a minor improvement of 7%.

There was no significant difference in documentation on re-audit. However, an increase of 7% is nonetheless encouraging. Information concerning driving should be a standard part of advice given to all psychiatric patients.