Feasibility of Use of the Useful Field of View in a Geriatric Clinic

Background: The Useful Field Of View® (UFOV) is a validated test of cognition and perception previously linked to motor vehicle crash (MVC) risk. It is unclear if UFOV subtest 2 (divided attention: UFOV2) use is feasible in geriatric clinic settings. Methods: We enrolled patients (65+ years) visiting a geriatric clinic at a university hospital. Eligible participants were current drivers (within past 30 days) who spoke English and had no significant cognitive impairment (diagnosed or a Six-Item Screener score <4). Participants completed a confidential survey regarding health and driving, followed by the UFOV2 on a touch-screen computer with verbal directions and ≤3 practice sessions. UFOV2 scores were categorized by response time: normal divided attention (<100msec); some difficulty (100-350msec); severe difficulty (>=350msec). Results: Of eligible, approached patients, 46 enrolled (54%). Most (n=39; 85%) participants completed the UFOV2; two gave up, four had other appointments and one had computer problems. Only 24% of those who began the UFOV2 (n=41) had a normal score; 51% had some difficulty and 19% had severe difficulty. Test administration required from 5 to 15 minutes per subject. Those taking 10+ medications (OR 5.70, 95%C 1.20-27.1), men (OR 3.69, 95%CI 0.80-17.1) and those who did not drive daily (OR 4.05, 95%CI 0.44-36.94) had a higher unadjusted odds of having an abnormal UFOV score. Conclusions: Most participants in an outpatient geriatric clinic could complete the UFOV2, and most had a score indicating difficulty with divided attention. The UFOV2 might be a useful in the first stage of older driver evaluations.