Applying the Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets for stroke framework to stroke survivors living in the community.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to explore the perspective of functioning in community-dwelling people with prior stroke and to confirm, if possible, the comprehensive international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF) Comprehensive Core Set for stroke. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were analysed (using the content analysis method and established ICF linking rules) from 22 persons following stroke (age range 59-87 years), as well as their spouses/partners, where relevant. RESULTS: Ninety-nine (76%) of 130 second-level ICF categories in the existing Comprehensive ICF Core Set for stroke were confirmed: 31 categories (of 41) in the component of body functions, 38 categories (of 51) in the component of activities and participation, 26 (of 33) in the component of environmental factors and 4 (of 5) in the component of body structures. Eleven additional ICF categories and one personal factor, a coping style of "I take it as it comes" were also identified in the transcribed text. CONCLUSION: The Comprehensive ICF Core Set for stroke was largely confirmed.