Occupational Therapists' Perspective on Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation Practice in Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive Qualitative Study.

Authors

Doha Hassan Alhashmi, Aislinn Lalor, Jennie Oxley, Ellie Fossey

Published in

The American journal of occupational therapy : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Volume 80. Issue 5. Pages 771-784. Epub Jul 08, 2026.

Abstract

ImportanceDriving facilitates independence and community engagement, especially in Saudi Arabia, where most people rely on cars. Medical conditions can impair driving ability, and occupational therapists play a key role in evaluation and rehabilitation. However, guidance and services to support safe return to driving in Saudi Arabia remain limited.ObjectiveTo explore current practices and challenges in driver assessment and rehabilitation as perceived by occupational therapists in Saudi Arabia.DesignThis descriptive qualitative research involved semi-structured individual interviews with participants. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, guided by the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) framework.SettingInterviews were conducted either in-person or virtually at each participant's preferred time and location.ParticipantsThirteen licensed occupational therapists with at least one year of experience in a rehabilitation setting in Saudi Arabia.ResultsSix themes were identified: (1) insufficient knowledge and practical skills, (2) lack of training and supporting infrastructure, (3) motivation [but it is hard], (4) recommended interventions, (5) recommended changes in policies and (6) collaboration.Conclusions and RelevanceAddressing the identified gaps in knowledge, skills and infrastructure through the suggested interventions and policy changes could enable occupational therapists in Saudi Arabia to contribute effectively to driver assessment and rehabilitation services for at-risk drivers, as well as promote road safety for all within Saudi Arabia. Collaborative efforts of occupational therapists and other stakeholders are essential to further leverage study findings in co-creating solutions to address safe return to driving and improving road safety in general.

PMID:
42698313
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 05 Sep 2026.

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