A qualitative exploration of the uses of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health at an inpatient neurorehabilitation facility in the Western Cape, South Africa

Date
2019-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH SUMMARY : Purpose of the study: The aim of the study was to describe how healthcare professionals at a neurorehabilitation facility currently use the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and to identify further possibilities for its future use. Methods: The study followed a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through four focus group discussions with 21 participants, all health care service providers, at the study facility. Thematic analysis was conducted by coding the transcripts and generating themes. Findings: The findings showed gaps in use of the ICF. This was especially evident in goal setting practices as goals were generic in nature and did not address participation and the environment. A lack of knowledge, debilitating interpersonal relationships and an unsupportive organisational culture were identified as barriers to ICF implementation. Participants felt that the ICF can assist them to work more patient centred. Three themes were generated: (1) Current use and gaps in use of the ICF, (2) a facilitating environment and (3) using the ICF to facilitate holistic, patient-centred management. Conclusion: The ICF has the potential to improve service delivery at the facility. The implementation process must be well structured, focus on practical use and be supported through an enabling environment created by management.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Doel van studie: Die doel van hierdie navorsingsprojek was om te beskryf hoe gesondheidsorg-praktisyns by ’n neurorehabilitasiesentrum die International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) gebruik, en verdere moontlikhede vir die toekomstige gebruik daarvan te identifiseer. Metodes: Die studie het ’n beskrywend-kwalitatiewe benadering gevolg. Data is ingewin deur middel van vier fokusgroep-besprekingsessies met 21 deelnemers – almal gesondheidsorgpraktisyns by die sentrum. Die transkripsies is gekodeer en temas geïdentifiseer, waarna ’n tematiese ontleding gedoen is. Bevindinge: Die bevindinge het gapings in die gebruik van die ICF uitgelig. Dit was veral duidelik in verband met doelstellingsmetodes, met doelwitte wat generies van aard was en nie sosiale deelname en die rol van omgewingsfaktore aangespreek het nie. ’n Gebrek aan kennis, swak interpersoonlike verhoudings en ’n organisasie-kultuur wat min ondersteuning bied is geïdentifiseer as struikelblokke in die implementering van die ICF. Deelnemers het gevoel die ICF kan hulle help om meer pasiëntgesentreerd te werk. Drie temas is uitgelig: (1) Huidige gebruik van en gapings in die gebruik van die ICF; (2) ’n fasiliterende omgewing; en (3) die gebruik van die ICF om holistiese, pasiëntgesentreerde rehabilitasie aan te help. Gevolgtrekking: Die ICF het die potensiaal om dienslewering by die sentrum te verbeter. Die implementeringsproses moet goed gestruktureerd wees, op praktiese gebruik fokus en ondersteun word deur ’n bemagtigende omgewing geskep deur die bestuur.
Description
Thesis (MHumanRehabSt)--Stellenbosch University, 2019.
Keywords
International classification of functioning, disability and health -- Use studies, Nervous system -- Wounds and injuries -- Western Cape (South Africa), Neurorehabilitation -- Western Cape (South Africa), Disabilities -- Diagnosis -- Western Cape (South Africa), Health care teams -- Western Cape (South Africa), Interdisciplinary research -- Western Cape (South Africa), Hospitals -- Western Cape (South Africa), UCTD
Citation