Resources search

The Application of ICF-based Functioning Data on Home Environment Adaptation for Persons with Disabilities

TONGSIRI, S
HAWSUTISIMA, K
2013

Expand view

Purpose: This study illustrates how the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains and qualifiers could be used to create functioning profiles of persons with disabilities in order to plan environmental changes. The outcome of the interventions can be measured by before-and-after comparisons of these profiles.

 

Method: 33 persons with disabilities (11 each from three provinces), with an average age of 43 years, were interviewed between November 2011 and May 2012. 67% of them were male. The functioning profiles of all the subjects were used as guidelines for home environment adaptations.

 

Results: The data helped to understand the limitations of persons with disabilities and identified the areas that needed enhancement to improve their functioning. Modification lay-outs were provided for all 33 persons with disabilities.

 

Conclusion and Implications: It was demonstrated that the ICF framework could help create functioning profiles to guide modifications in the home environment. Future studies should examine whether ICF can measure actual changes that occur after the modifications.

The psychosocial impact on standing devices

NORDSTRÖM, Birgitta
NYBERG, Lars
EKENBERG, Lilly
NÄSLUND, Annika
2013

Expand view

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial impact of standing devices as experienced by users. 

 

Method:

This is the second part of a comprehensive survey in five counties in Sweden where all the subjects with standing devices were invited to participate. The impact of standing devices on functional independence, quality of life and wellbeing was assessed using a questionnaire, Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS).

 

Results:

The psychosocial impact of the standing devices was perceived as positive. The highest PIADS scores in relation to age were found in the oldest group, aged 65 years and older. The ability to walk and independence in ambulation resulted in higher scores than the use of a wheelchair and/or dependence on others. Those who stood often awarded higher scores in the PIADS questionnaire compared to those who used the device less frequently. When standing was integrated in various activities, its psychosocial impact received high scores. 

 

Conclusion:

The psychosocial impact of standing devices was generally experienced positively. The main results indicated that standing in a standing device had a value and we as professionals should ask the users about the intended purpose of their standing in order to prescribe the optimal device.

E-bulletin