Predictors affecting initial assessment results using driving simulator in stroke patients admitted at a subacute rehabilitation hospital

Introduction: We surveyed predictors associated with pass/fail test results for initial driving assessment using a driving simulator in stroke patients admitted to a subacute rehabilitation hospital. Method: We prospectively analyzed 106 inpatients with stroke. Driving assessment was done using a simulator. Sociodemographic, disease-related (duration from onset to initial assessment using a driving simulator), cognitive (Stroke Driver’s Screening Assessment (SDSA)), physical, and activity-related variables were assessed. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that three independent factors were associated with the pass/fail test result of initial driving assessment. These variables were the duration from onset to initial driving assessment using a driving simulator (per 1 day; odds ratio (OR) = 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–1.11, p = 0.00), required time (per 1 second; OR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.01, p = 0.02), and errors of dot cancellation in the (per 1 time; OR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.05–1.28, p = 0.00) SDSA. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the duration from onset to initial driving assessment using a driving simulator, required time, and errors of dot cancellation in the SDSA are the three predictors determining the passing/failing of patients with stroke in a driving simulator test.