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Introduction: Driver‐trained occupational therapists are advanced practitioners who work with people to help maintain their independence and autonomy through driving. There is a lack of investigation of professional reasoning processes for why interventions are recommended by driver‐trained occupational therapists. This research project sought to explore the reasoning of driver‐trained occupational therapists when they plan, implement, and reflect on driver rehabilitation interventions. Methods: In‐depth semistructured interviews (n = 7) and one focus group (n = 5) were conducted with 12 experienced driver‐trained occupational therapists, comprising a wide range of experience, client populations, and licensing jurisdictions. Data were analysed using a modified template analysis approach. Results: Seven higher order modes that reflect professional reasoning theory and hierarchical models were evident in the work of the driver‐trained occupational therapists, with no new modes of reasoning emerging. Ethical reasoning regarding the balance of safety versus client independence was an overarching shared framework, with therapists mostly using interactive and conditional reasoning in practice. Twenty‐three second‐level themes were identified that exemplify how the reasoning modes operate in practice. Therapists described assessment activity even when solely asked about intervention, indicating the importance of assessment to intervention design. The full hierarchy of reasoning was evident during the rehabilitation phase. Conclusion: These findings elucidate the application of professional reasoning in advanced occupational therapy practices and could support driver‐trained occupational therapists in making driving rehabilitation recommendations if used in reflective practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe current practice and outcomes relating to fitness to drive for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) attending a specialist driving clinic. Methods: Retrospective medical record audit from a driving fitness assessment clinic at a tertiary medical centre, South Australia, from 2015 to 2019. Results: Of 100 notes audited, n = 40 had a documented diagnosis of MCI and n = 60 had subjective cognitive concerns characteristic of MCI. Participants mean age was 80.0 years (SD 6.7), and mean Mini‐Mental State Examination score was 26.1 (SD 2.1). Medical practitioners completed a comprehensive initial assessment relating to medical fitness to drive, considering scores from a cognitive assessment battery and non‐cognitive factors (driving history, current driving needs, vision, physical abilities and collateral from family). After the initial assessment, most participants (84%) were referred for a practical on‐road assessment, before receiving a final driving recommendation. Over half of participants continued driving (51%), most with conditions, while 35% ceased driving. Outcomes for the remaining 14% are unknown as we were unable to determine whether the practical assessment (11%) or lessons (3%) were completed. Conclusions: Driving outcomes for people with MCI with questionable driving capabilities are variable, with both cognitive and non‐cognitive factors important in guiding medical fitness to drive recommendations. There is a need for more driving clinics to provide in‐depth assessment for people with MCI who demonstrate uncertain driving capabilities and improved support for decision‐making in other non‐driving specialist settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]