JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Older adults face increased crash risk due to age-related declines in cognitive, visual and physical functioning [1,2]. Maintaining mobility is essential for autonomy, health and wellbeing in later life, and over 90% of Australians in their 70s continue to drive [3]. Web-based platforms are increasingly used to deliver health and mobility information to older adults, with more than 75% now seeking such content online [4]. However, existing online resources on driving safety often lack age-specific guidance, have usability limitations, or may not be designed with older users in mind [8].

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the information needs, preferences, and experiences of older drivers and general practitioners (GPs) to inform the development of a user-centred web-based platform to support driving safety in later life. To ensure the platform met user needs, focus groups were conducted with older adults and clinicians who conduct fitness to drive (FtD) assessments on older drivers to gather feedback on content, usability and accessibility before public launch. The platform seeks to improve access to trusted, accessible information tailored to the needs of older drivers and their support networks. By addressing barriers to engagement and providing relevant resources, this initiative aims to reduce road risk in a group often overrepresented in crash and injury outcomes, ultimately benefiting the safety of all road users.

Methods:

Website development was informed by a review of 26 Australian websites focused on older driver safety and guided by consultations with stakeholders, including older adults and GPs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight older adults (aged 67+), and a separate focus group was held with ten GPs who conduct FtD assessments for older drivers. Thematic analysis was used to explore participants’ experiences with online health information, along with their perceptions of usability and content relevance. A primary deductive approach was used for reviewing the web platform, whilst inductive analysis identified emergent themes regarding information needs and barriers to engagement. Although the sample was small, it was appropriate for this exploratory qualitative research and enabled rich, formative insights to inform the platforms content and design.

Results:

The website addressed priority topics including age-related health conditions affecting driving, licensing requirements, vehicle safety features, and strategies for maintaining driving confidence. Older adults appreciated large fonts, plain language, and intuitive navigation, and emphasised the importance of trustworthy sources and practical advice. General practitioners highlighted the websites potential to support clinical discussions with older patients around driving capacity and safety. Gaps identified in existing resources, such as tailored guidance on maintaining driving skills and information about vehicle Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) were addressed [15]. Barriers to engagement included digital literacy limitations, accessibility concerns, and uncertainty about the credibility of online information [10].

Conclusions:

A co-designed, web-based platform tailored to older adults and clinicians who conduct FtD assessments for older drivers can enhance access to relevant, trustworthy information support driving self-regulation. Findings underscore the importance of involving end users in the development process to optimise usability and ensure the resource aligns with their needs. This study contributes to best-practice approaches for delivering digital health interventions that promote mobility and safety for older road users [9].