A case study on the application of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)-based tools for vocational rehabilitation in spinal cord injury

Issue title: Perspectives on European Work-related Education, Practice and Research

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Glässel, Andrea^; | Rauch, Alexandra | Selb, Melissa^; | Emmenegger, Karl | Lückenkemper, Miriam^; | Escorpizo, Reuben^{; ;}

Affiliations: Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland | ICF Research Branch in cooperation with the WHO Collaborating Centre for the Family of International Classifications in Germany (at DIMDI) | Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne and SPF, Nottwil, Switzerland | Swiss Paraplegic Center, Nottwil, Switzerland

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Reuben Escorpizo, PT, Swiss Paraplegic Research (SPF), Guido A. Zäch Str. 4, CH-6207 Nottwil, Switzerland. Tel.: +41 41 939 6596; Fax: +41 41 939 6577; E-mail: reuben.escorpizo@paranet.ch

Abstract: Objectives: Vocational rehabilitation (VR) plays a key role in bringing persons with acquired disabilities back to work, while encouraging employment participation. The purpose of this case study is to illustrate the systematic application of International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF)-based documentation tools by using ICF Core Sets in VR shown with a case example of a client with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Participant: The client was a 26-year-old male with paraplegia (7th thoracic level), working in the past as a mover. Methods: This case study describes the integration of the ICF Core Sets for VR into an interdisciplinary rehabilitation program by using ICF-based documentation tools. Results: Improvements in the client's impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions were observed following rehabilitation. Goals in different areas of functioning were achieved. Conclusion: The use of the ICF Core Sets in VR allows a comprehensive assessment of the client's level of functioning and intervention planning. Specifically, the Brief ICF Core Set in VR can provide domains for intervention relevant to each member of an interdisciplinary team and hence, can facilitate the VR management process in a SCI center in Switzerland.

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, ICF, ICF Core Set, spinal cord injury, case study

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1310

Journal: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 465-474, 2012