Structured Assessment of Recidivist Drink Drivers

Purpose: To develop and validate a questionnaire designed to assess drink driving behaviour and risk factors among a group of repeat drink drivers enrolled by convenience sampling of patients attending a public drug and alcohol service. Methods: Drink Driving Recidivism Questionnaire (DDRQ) was developed from previous research experiences, literature review and the need in the local area of Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District. DDRQ was assessed by two psychometricians, reviewed by twelve expert clinicians, pilot tested with a subset of voluntary participants. Data collected was analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Participants were followed up in a 12-month structured clinical care pathway. Results: Literature review concludes that overall there appears to be lack of high quality studies looking at clinical interventions for reducing recidivism as an outcome. Whatever the intervention the effect is only temporary and short term. Fifty participants completed the DDRQ while being assessed for drugs and alcohol treatment plan. Ninety-eight percent of participants responded well with the interview at recruitment, and participants were willing to disclose personal details of their drink driving behaviour. Fifteen participants (30%) were engaged in treatment in three months, ten participants, (20%) reported maintaining abstinence from alcohol, with improved liver function tests and mental health over twelve months. Seven participants (14%) were involved in structured clinical care pathway and regained the drivers licence. Discussion: Although effective interventions are limited in value and mechanical devices are temporary, observations highlights the need for comprehensive assessment of the patients, early intervention and structured clinical care pathway. Conclusion: Better data collection and proactive visionary research should be mandatory. DDRQ can be improved further to be useful in clinical practice