The ICF model as a practical tool to facilitate holistic communication with individuals during their rehabilitation: A qualitative study

During rehabilitation, professionals and patients experience difficulties addressing complex issues. In a hermeneutical approach we examine how the ICF model can capture the complexity of the rehabilitation process using secondary deductive content analysis of transcripts from a previous interview study in line with COREQ. When focusing on interactions, the ICF model captures the complexity of individuals’ issues in a convincing way. Three themes were identified: ‘The influence body function, activity, participation and environment have on an individual’s ability to handle daily tasks of personal importance’, ‘The influence the environment in combination with body function, activity, and personal factors have on an individual’s ability to maintain their social roles’, and ‘The influence personal factors and body functions have on an individual’s confidence in participating in activities they like’. The findings show that the ICF model could provide a useful tool to facilitate communication regarding individuals’ complex issues that are often neglected.