Grant: Planning Grants

Background- The Canadian Medical Association's CMA Driver's Guide- Determining Medical Fitness to Operate Motor Vehicles was published in its 8th edition in December 2012. The publication is a document used by physicians across Canada to guide decision-making about assessing the impact of patients' medical conditions and treatments on driving abilities, advising patients of the risks, and reporting to transportation authorities. The publication however has some significant limitations related to lack of strictness in gathering information, input from key parties, external review and procedure for updating. Aim- The purpose of the present grant is to bring together the authors of the guidelines, as well as stakeholders from physician and government transportation groups, with a goal of planning to substantially strengthen upcoming editions of the CMA Driver's Guide. Research Plan- Four teleconferences and a two-day meeting in Ottawa will be held with the authors of the Canadian guidelines and representatives of the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators / Transport Canada as well as international collaborators. The purpose of these teleconferences and meeting is to develop a clear action plan that addresses the limitations of the current CMA Driver's Guide. Specifically a plan will be made to form working groups, review current knowledge, foster collaboration between physicians and transportation authorities, and develop a procedure to update the driving guidelines over time. Outcomes- By the end of the planning grant, working groups will be in place, collaborations between physicians and transportation authorities will be established, and reports related to the quality of the existing guidelines and a plan for improving the next edition of the Driver's Guide will be prepared.