Functioning of stroke survivors – A validation of the ICF core set for stroke in Sweden

Abstract

Purpose. To validate the body functions and activities and participation part of the extended International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) core set for stroke with a Swedish population in the first 3 months post-stroke. Method. At 6 weeks and at 3 months post-stroke, stroke survivors were evaluated by 59 ICF categories of body functions, 59 categories of activities and participation from the stroke ICF core set (extended version).Results. The study sample included 99 stroke survivors (54% women) with an average age of 72 years. Statistical significant problems were identified in 28 ICF categories of body functions and in 41 ICF categories of activities and participation at both time points, at 6 weeks and at 3 months. About 17 ICF categories were reported as problems in independent (i.e. modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 2) and about 34 categories in dependent (i.e. mRS 4 2) stroke survivors. Conclusions. The results suggest a possible reduction of the stroke ICF core set from 59 to 28 categories of body functions and from 59 to 41 categories of activities and participation. Hence, feasibility of the core set for multiprofessional assessment increases and the core set might find more integration in clinical practice. The number of problems in mobility and self-care mainly distinguished between independent and dependent stroke survivors.

Mapping the rehabilitation interventions of a community stroke team to the extended International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Set for Stroke

“…The most frequent environmental factor intervention was e120 products and technology for personal mobility (5.7%). This result differs from a similar study which found the most frequent environmental facilitator was e540 social security systems, services and policies (95.5%) [13]. These differences may reflect the unique health and social systems of the country where the study was conducted.…”

“…A study of 99 Swedish people with stroke found although basic interpersonal problems were not significant at 6 weeks and 3 months post stroke, handling stress and other psychological demands was significant at both time points [13]. The need for interventions for emotional concerns is also supported by Allen et al [29] who found that at one year post stroke 31.7% of patients were classified as depressed.…”

“…Riberto et al [14] found that 47.5% of patients considered they had problems with d910 community life, and 66.0% with d920 recreation and leisure. This was also found to be of concern for 39 of 99 Swedish people 3 months post stroke [13]. In this study, it is unclear why so few interventions were reported for chapter 9 community, social and civic life or why more interventions for activities and participation were provided for non-Māori than Māori.…”

“…Therefore, the EICSS may not represent different cultures and health systems where it may be used. Despite these criticisms, three studies of the EICSS [8,13,14] and one of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Stroke [15] have demonstrated that the EICSS has sufficient content validity from the patient perspective.…”

Factors Associated With Health-Related Quality of Life After Stroke

“…Detailed information about participants' problems and facilitators during the first 3 months was given in 2 previous articles. 29,30 HRQoL and consequences for participants are presented in Table 2.…”