What people with aphasia want: Their goals according to the ICF

Background: The goals of people with aphasia should guide service delivery. Services are increasingly influenced by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) (WHO, 2001 World Health Organisation (WHO). 2001. International classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF), Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organisation. Google Scholar), but little is yet known about whether the goals of people with aphasia span the full spectrum of the ICF. Aims: The purpose of this study was to describe the goals of people with aphasia and to code the goals according to the ICF. Methods more speech therapy; greater autonomy; and dignity and respect. They identified the importance of engagement in social, leisure, and work activities as well as regaining their physical health. Interestingly, their goals included wanting to help others. Goals could be linked to all ICF components within the ICF, with the majority linked to Activities and Participation, followed by Environmental Factors, Body Functions and Structures, and Personal Factors. Conclusions: People with aphasia in this study were able to articulate a wide range of goals post-stroke that encompassed all of the ICF components but had a particular focus on the Activity and Participation components.