Functioning and disability in stroke

PURPOSE: To describe functioning and disability in patients with stroke according to the model endorsed by the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) in a rehabilitation hospital. METHODS: Adult patients with stroke were consecutively enrolled. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHO-DAS II) were administered in individual sessions. ICF checklist was applied on the basis of medical documentation and rehabilitation team meetings. Descriptive analyses were performed to report on FIM and WHO-DAS II scores. ICF categories reported as a problem by more than 20% of patients were described in detail. RESULTS: Patients (197 in total) were mainly men, aged about 60, with average FIM score of 75. Within ICF Body Functions component 32 categories were applied in at least 20% of the patients, 5 within Body Structures, 27 within Activities and Participation and 7 within Environmental Factors. CONCLUSIONS: ICF represents a new integrative tool to help professionals dealing with stroke. The checklist captures the various sequels of stroke in terms of impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions. It shows the extensive need for rehabilitation, whereby it facilitates consideration of the patient' needs.