Hepatic encephalopathy and driving safety: A survey of patient counseling and regulatory reporting by health care professionals in British Columbia, Canada.

Abstract

Background: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome resulting from liver dysfunction, leading to significant cognitive and motor impairments. These impairments can severely affect daily activities, including driving. This research explores the public safety issue of HE and driving safety, focusing on the knowledge and practices of health care professionals.

Methods: An electronic survey was distributed across various institutions in British Columbia, Canada, targeting 191 health care professionals, including attending physicians, residents, nurse practitioners, medical students, and fellows from various specialties. The survey assessed the training received, frequency of discussions about driving safety, and actions taken regarding advising patients to stop driving.

Results: This study revealed significant gaps in addressing driving safety protocols by health care providers among patients with HE. Only 19.9% of professionals routinely ask their patients about driving, and few engage in specific discussions about driving safety. Internal medicine and gastroenterology specialists, who are most likely to care for patients with HE, reported low practices of screening for and educating about HE and driving safety.

Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for increased awareness and proactive discussions among health care providers regarding driving safety in patients with HE. Implementing routine assessments and discussions in HE management protocols can enhance patient safety. Future research should focus on developing standardized guidelines and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions in reducing driving-related risks.