Program to enhance driving skills in older adults
Evaluating the Acceptability and Feasibility of an Evidence-based and User-informed Approach to Refreshing Older Adults' Driving Skills (ROADSkills)
This study is testing a program that uses GPS to help older drivers improve their driving skills and stay safe on the road.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 79 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | McMaster University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05450159 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The Refreshing Older Adults' Driving Skills (ROADSkills) program aims to support drivers aged 65 and older by using GPS technology to monitor their driving patterns, such as speeding and hard braking. This initiative addresses the challenges faced by older adults who rely on driving for social connections and independence, particularly in light of the increased risks associated with aging. By collaborating with older adults, driving instructors, and health professionals, the program seeks to improve driving safety and reduce the likelihood of accidents. Participants will be assessed for eligibility based on cognitive and health criteria to ensure a safe driving experience.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 65-79 who hold a valid driver's license and have access to an insured vehicle.
Not a fit: Patients with serious or terminal illnesses or significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could help older adults maintain their driving independence while enhancing their safety on the road.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar programs targeting older adult driving safety have shown promise in enhancing driving skills and reducing accidents.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 65-79 to reduce co-intervention bias, as the Ministry of Transportation has a Senior Driver Renewal program that screens drivers aged 80 and older * Hold a valid driver's license * Owner and access to insured vehicle * Speak and understand English fluently * Visited an optometrist in last two years * if corrective lens are required for driving, prescriptions should be up-to-date Exclusion Criteria: * If participated in a recent Randomized Controlled Trial that examined the effectiveness of video-based intervention, will be excluded due to potential for bias * Known serious or terminal illness or presence of contraindications for driving * Performance on cognitive screening: 1) score of \< 21 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA; Nasreddine et al., 2005) 2) taking longer than 180 seconds or 3 or more errors on the Trail Making Test B (Bowie \& Harvey, 2006).
Where this trial is running
Hamilton, Ontario
- McMaster Automotive Resource Centre — Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Brenda H Vrkljan, PhD
- Email: vrkljan@mcmaster.ca
- Phone: 905-745-3789
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.