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A novel computer test to assess driving-relevant cognitive functions – a pilot study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 October 2013

Rahel Bieri ,
Michael Jäger ,
Nicole Gruber ,
Tobias Nef ,
René M. Müri  and
Urs P. Mosimann
Rahel Bieri
Affiliation:
Gerontechnology and Rehabilitation Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Michael Jäger
Affiliation:
Gerontechnology and Rehabilitation Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Nicole Gruber
Affiliation:
Gerontechnology and Rehabilitation Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Tobias Nef
Affiliation:
Gerontechnology and Rehabilitation Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
René M. Müri
Affiliation:
Gerontechnology and Rehabilitation Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland Perception and Eye Movement Laboratory, Departments of Neurology and Clinical Research, University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Urs P. Mosimann*
Affiliation:
Gerontechnology and Rehabilitation Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland Department of Old Age Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Prof Urs P. Mosimann, MD, PhD, Gerontechnology and Rehabilitation Group, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 21, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland. Phone: +41-31-632-88-17; Fax: +41-31-632-89-44. Email: urs.mosimann@gef.be.ch.
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Abstract

Background:

The assessment of driving-relevant cognitive functions in older drivers is a difficult challenge as there is no clear-cut dividing line between normal cognition and impaired cognition and not all cognitive functions are equally important for driving.

Methods:

To support decision makers, the Bern Cognitive Screening Test (BCST) for older drivers was designed. It is a computer-assisted test battery assessing visuo-spatial attention, executive functions, eye–hand coordination, distance judgment, and speed regulation. Here we compare the performance in BCST with the performance in paper and pencil cognitive screening tests and the performance in the driving simulator testing of 41 safe drivers (without crash history) and 14 unsafe drivers (with crash history).

Results:

Safe drivers performed better than unsafe drivers in BCST (Mann–Whitney U test: U = 125.5; p = 0.001) and in the driving simulator (Student's t-test: t(44) = –2.64, p = 0.006). No clear group differences were found in paper and pencil screening tests (p > 0.05; ns). BCST was best at identifying older unsafe drivers (sensitivity 86%; specificity 61%) and was also better tolerated than the driving simulator test with fewer dropouts.

Conclusions:

BCST is more accurate than paper and pencil screening tests, and better tolerated than driving simulator testing when assessing driving-relevant cognition in older drivers.

Keywords

agecognitiondrivingcomputer-based testsdriving simulatorpaper and pencil testsscreeningfitness-to-drive
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 26 , Issue 2 , February 2014 , pp. 229 - 238
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2013 

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