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

Abstract

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. 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. 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. The Comprehensive ICF Core Set for stroke was largely confirmed.