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Abstract
The World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (WHO-ICF) provides a framework that helps rehabilitation staff to take a holistic view of the patient. However, it is used predominantly by professionals rather than by active participation on behalf of the person with the disability. In addition, the language used within the framework can be difficult for patients to understand. In order to address these issues the Activities and Participation section of the ICF has been adapted by using graphic symbols. It has been used in conjunction with Talking Mats™, a low-tech communication framework, to help adults with long-term conditions participate in goal setting. This paper describes how this was done and provides examples from clinical practice. The paper discusses how this combined framework can empower people with communication difficulties and long-term conditions to become active participants in the rehabilitation process by identifying their own goals, indicating changing priorities and tracking their progress.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank members of the Rehabilitation Team who were involved in the adaptation of the ICF for use with the Talking Mats framework and to NHS Forth Valley for their support. Special thanks to the patients who gave us permission to describe their experiences.
Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.
Notes
1. Talking Mats™, Talking Mats Centre, Stirling University Innovation Park, Stirling FK9 4NF, Scotland, www.talkingmats.com.
2. The Picture Communication Symbols (PCS), 1981–2011 Mayer-Johnson Co., are used with permission – Mayer-Johnson Co., PO Box 1579, Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA.