Free
Research Article  |   March 2008
Predicting Fitness to Drive Using the Visual Recognition Slide Test (USyd)
Lynnette G. Kay; Anita C. Bundy; Lindy M. Clemson
Author Affiliations
  • Lynnette G. Kay, BOccThy, is a doctoral student, Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, P.O. Box 170, Lidcombe, New South Wales 1825, Australia; L.Kay@usyd.edu.au
  • Anita C. Bundy, ScD, is Professor, Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia
  • Lindy M. Clemson, PhD, is Associate Professor, Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia
Article Information
Assessment Development and Testing / Community Mobility and Driving / Driving and Community Mobility
Research Article   |   March 2008
Predicting Fitness to Drive Using the Visual Recognition Slide Test (USyd)
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, March/April 2008, Vol. 62, 187-197. doi:10.5014/ajot.62.2.187
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, March/April 2008, Vol. 62, 187-197. doi:10.5014/ajot.62.2.187
This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access.
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. The authors examined the construct and predictive validity and internal reliability of the Visual Recognition Slide Test developed at the University of Sydney (VRST–USyd).

METHOD. A historical cohort study using retrospective descriptive analysis of VRST–USyd scores and on-road driving performance for 838 drivers with impairments was conducted.

RESULTS. Rasch analysis provided evidence for the construct validity and internal reliability of the VRST–USyd. Goodness-of-fit statistics for all items were acceptable. The test had high participant and item reliability indexes and separated the participants into four groups with varying levels of skill. Using a cutoff score of 95/164, the sensitivity of the test was 81%, and the specificity was 90%. However, when coupled with clinicians’ judgment of participants’ awareness of their driving performance during the on-road assessment, this score improved.

CONCLUSION. There is evidence for reliability and construct and predictive validity of the VRST–USyd. The measurement of awareness requires further research.