ABSTRACT

Objective: The purpose of this study was to present the clinical use of ICF tools and discuss their usefulness in occupational therapy. Methods:The subject was a male stroke patient, and the study was conducted from April to March of 2010. First, stroke core sets were used to detect the categories. Next, ICF tools (categorical profile & assessment sheet, assignment maps, an intervention table, and an evaluation display) were performed step by step. Finally, 5 experts discussed the results. Results: Stroke core sets were used to select the categories under study. In clinical practice, ICF tools allow the description of a functioning state, an illustration of the patient's functioning experience, the relation between rehabilitation goals and appropriate intervention targets, an overview of the resources required to improve specific aspects of human functioning, and finally, changes in stated functionality following rehabilitative intervention. Experts expressed the positive aspects of ICF, but pointed out their consideration of the characteristics of occupational therapy. They also suggested the need for ICF education and cost effective analysis. Conclusion: Stroke core sets were used to select the categories corresponding to a patient's health status. ICF tools are definitely effective for evaluations, setting goals, role-sharing of professionals, and applying clientcentered problem-solving tasks. Therefore, clinical agreement regarding the terms and professionalism in a performance analysis will need to apply ICF tools for use in occupational therapy.