Changes in lifespace and participation in community‐based occupations of people with acquired brain injury: A mixed methods exploration 6 months following occupational therapy driving assessment

After an acquired brain injury (ABI), many people find it harder to go out and do activities away from home. A common change is losing the ability to drive. An occupational therapy driver assessment (OTDA) checks if someone is ready to drive again. This study looked at how getting back to driving, or not, affected involvement in community activities. People who returned to driving reported doing more activities, more often, and with less help. They spent more time on leisure, work, and social activities. Those who did not drive went out less, visited fewer places, and relied more on others. When they did go out, it was mostly for essential tasks like shopping and health appointments. For those not able to drive, extra services and supports are needed to help build skills. This is the first study to look at how driving is connected to taking part in community activities after a brain injury. More research is needed to confirm findings.