Research In Action

Since the start of the Virtual Driving Assessment (VDA) implementation in the CHOP Primary Care Network as part of routine care, over 10,000 teens have completed a virtual drive at 28 different Care Network sites across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. During this 15-minute evaluation, teens are exposed to the most common serious crash scenarios in a safe, simulated driving environment. Based on measurements of the teens’ ability to drive safely and avoid crashes, a personalized feedback report is created that provides insights and resources to acquire the skills and experience to drive safely.

Behind every successful implementation is a dedicated team working tirelessly to ensure that teens have access to the VDA in the Care Network. Today we will go “behind the scenes” to highlight the Care Network team supporting teens and parents on their driving journey.

Behind the Scenes

Each of the 28 Care Network sites with the VDA has a Clinical Champion who leads the effort at their site. These champions have volunteered to spearhead the effort at their site and are dedicated to improving the health of teens and reducing their risk of crashing. The Clinical Champion acts as a resource for their offices and communicates performance and improvements to their clinical staff. A Champion can be a physician, a nurse practitioner, a nurse or a member of the front desk team. Clinical Champions meet monthly with Champions from across the network to share ideas and progress.

CHOP Care Network providers see tens of thousands of teens a year for their well and sick care. During these visits, providers may screen for various medical conditions, counsel on reducing injury risk, provide immunizations, and give general health guidance. With the introduction of the VDA, providers can also counsel teens and parents on the risks of driving during patient visits. Utilizing tools like the Get Road Ready and Teen Driver Source, providers can connect patients and families to resources that improve their driver training.

Front line nurses play an important role in guiding teens to complete the VDA when they are in the office for well visits. Time is always of the essence for teens and families, so our nursing staff ensure that teens know about the VDA and are clear on what to expect from the drive. They will often accompany teens to the VDA and get them started on the process.

Finally, our front desk staff also play an important role in raising awareness about the VDA at each site. When a family checks in, front desk staff mention that the VDA is available on site and can answer any questions families might have about the simulated drive.

A Team Based Approach

Because of these coordinated efforts by the Clinical Champions and office staff, over 10,000 teens (and counting) have completed the VDA. With strong teamwork and a commitment to delivering the highest quality experience to our teens and families, CHOP is advancing the future of teen driving.