Alvydas Juocevičius, Lina Būtėnaitė, Ieva Eglė Jamontaitė
Abstract
Introduction. The international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF), which reflects the biopsychosocial model was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2001. There are a great number of methodologies for evaluating effectiveness of rehabilitation after spinal cord injury but all of them analyze certain component such as mobility or function independence (Barthel Index, FIM). But none of them cover all aspects of patient functioning, what provides ICF.
The aim of the study: To evaluate the benefits of ICF in patients after SCI rehabilitation.
Methods. The study was carried out in Vilnius University Hospital Santariškių clinics, Rehabilitation, physical and sport medicine centre from January 2007 to December 2010. In study participated 86 persons after spinal cord injury who were examined when entering to the rehabilitation and at the discharge. Study outcomes were evaluated using ICF Core Set for SCI, FIM and Barthel Index.
Results. There were observed positive changes in body functions during rehabilitation (p<0,01). The study revealed significant (p <0,01) differences between the traumatic SCI (TSCI) and other nature of SCI (NSCI) suffering patient’s changes of the functions (mental, cardiovascular and skin functions).
The analysis of results showed significant positive changes in activities and participation (p<0,01). The study revealed significant (p<0,01) differences between the TSCI and the NSCI suffering patients changes in activities and participation domains (d2, d435, d450, d460, d5 and d6).
The correlation analysis showed strong significant correlation between general scores of Barthel Index and ICF on admission (r=-0,961, p<0,01) and at discharge (r=-0,939, p<0,01). Similar strong correlations were found between general scores of FIM and ICF on admission (r=- 0,949, p<0,01) and at discharge (r=-0,926, p<0,01).
Conclusions
1. ICF provides a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of rehabilitation, as reflects changes of body functions, activities and participation, environmental factors. Study found a strong correlation between ICF domains and scores of independence and cognitive functions evaluation test.
2. Assessment of the patient’s condition using a validated ICF Core Set for SCI could provide more detailed information about a person’s functioning. Evaluation of environmental factors using ICF makes it possible to predict the priorities of assistance to the patient and his family and identify the differences between the participation of individuals with similar functional level.
doi:10.5200/sm-hs.2012.049
Keyword(s): The international classification of functioning; disability and health; spinal cord injury; rehabilitation
DOI: 10.5200/290
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