![Sample our Health and Social Care journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5938/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Health-Social-Care.jpg"})
Abstract
Past discussions of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) have focused minimally, if at all, on quality of life. This paper critically discusses the contribution of the ICF to quality of life concept development, and the impact that the ICF has had thus far on health-related quality of life measurement. “Contribution” focuses on modelling the relationship between disablement and quality of life, evaluating the content of existing instruments, and thinking holistically about the individual. “Impact” relates to the association of quality of life with functioning, pathology and outcomes, the trend towards life compartmentalization, and the disproportionate emphasis on individuals' functioning at the expense of their life context. Examples are drawn from adult acquired conditions (mainly aphasia), and terminology used in the paper reflects a rehabilitation stage of service provision. The World Health Organization's approach to quality of life definition and measurement is also discussed. An operational definition of quality of life for adults with acquired communication and swallowing disorders is presented, alongside an alternative conceptualization of quality of life. This paper ends with recommendations for future research concerning the importance of context, the subjective or personal perspective, and having a goals orientation for life as well as rehabilitation. It is also argued here that the ICF and quality of life are different constructs and that quality of life should be the starting point for understanding the client's perspective of his/her goals and/or his/her disability.