Occupational therapists are great problem solvers. Patients may seek occupational therapy after accidents; when diseases cause debilitating symptoms; when aggressive treatments wreak havoc on physical functions; or as age causes struggles in performing activities for daily living. Every disease or accident is unique. Every patient is unique. Each patient has unique goals. With countless factors to consider, occupational therapists are given incomplete puzzles, then asked to find the missing pieces and make them fit. The goal is returning the physical functions necessary for daily living, and improving quality of life for every patient.

One key activity for daily living that provides independence, contributes to self-worth, and allows patients to maintain social relationships, gainful employment and access to medical care is driving. As occupational therapists search for ways to utilize new technology to provide immediate feedback when evaluating patients, one recent case study looked at tools to evaluate visual scanning deficits, and how those deficits affected safe driving ability.

The study “Interactive Tools for Measuring Visual Scanning Performance and Reaction Time,” published by the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, looked at the relationship between two available tools: an interactive light board and an advanced driving simulator scenario available on DriveSafety simulators. To test the competing tools, three groups of healthy drivers performed various trials on each. Braking response and visual target detection were measured.

“Given the high prevalence of visual deficits in client populations served by occupational therapists, it is potentially beneficial for occupational therapists to have a variety of engaging tools that offer both evaluation and training of clients with reduced visual scanning ability,” the study’s authors state. “By incorporating new technologies as resource tools used in conjunction with standard therapeutic practice, occupational therapists have the ability to provide their clients with a broad range of motivating and engaging tasks that are relevant and appropriate.”

Technological advances have paved the way for a collection of new tools at the disposal of occupational therapists, allowing for immediate feedback. This objective information paints a clear picture of a patient’s capabilities and limitations while allowing therapists to measure personal improvement in key areas. DriveSafety’s clinical simulators allow therapists to identify specific deficits in visual scanning ability, attention, awareness and physical functioning in a realistic and comfortable environment.

The study concluded these tools proved to be useful options for therapists in gauging driving limitations. DriveSafety virtual simulators can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient. Simulator scenarios can be adjusted to greater or lesser degrees of difficulty, or highlight specific functions necessary for safe driving. Simulators produce real-time results that can be measured over time. Patients can play active roles in their own recoveries through virtual simulators, alongside their occupational therapists.

“As the field of occupational therapy progresses, the implementation of new technologies will become more widespread,” the study states. “Clients often enjoy using equipment in clinical settings that is not available for home therapy exercises. The versatility that such instruments provide in therapy sessions allows interaction and engagement that deliver concrete, immediate, and printable feedback after each session, encouraging clients as they observe self-progress throughout daily or weekly therapy.”

Citation: Brooks, et al. “Interactive Tools for Measuring Visual Scanning Performance and Reaction Time”; American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2017 Mar-Apr; 71(2); doi: 10.5014/ajot.2017.020461

Occupational therapists should contact DriveSafety today to learn about the whole line of simulator options available for clinical use. A simulator can be a valuable asset in the toolbox of any occupational therapist seeking more advanced methods for assisting patients in maintaining safe driving freedom.