An exploratory study on the transition from driving to driving cessation on Irish stroke patient's occupational identity

Background: Driving is a valued instrumental activity of daily living which is related to an individual’s sense of freedom, autonomy and independence. The purpose of this study was to explore how the transition from driving... [ view full abstract ]

Background: Driving is a valued instrumental activity of daily living which is related to an individual’s sense of freedom, autonomy and independence. The purpose of this study was to explore how the transition from driving to driving cessation impacts Irish stroke patient’s occupational identity.

Method: A qualitative research design, which adopted a descriptive phenomenological approach, was used to guide this study. The Occupational Performance History Interview-II was used to direct the interviews. Eight participants were selected from one recruitment source using the non-probability sampling technique “convenience sampling”. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, resulting in the identification of four themes.

Results: The findings support earlier research, which found an association between an individual’s engagement in meaningful occupations and their identity as an occupational being. They also indicate that driving cessation has adverse effects on stroke patient’s performance in life roles and their participation levels.

Conclusion: These results expand on occupational therapists professional knowledge into the lived-experiences of individuals who transition from driving to driving cessation, as well as their experiences of the driving evaluation process post-stroke in Ireland. This insight can be incorporated into practice to facilitate the improvement of emotional support, information and clinical procedures.