Applying the WHO ICF framework to communication assessment and goal setting in Huntington's disease: a case discussion

Abstract

Purpose: Huntington's Disease (HD) is a fatal, hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by a triad of motor, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms that impact on both communicative effectiveness and the treatment techniques used to maximize communicative participation. The purpose of this article is to describe the application of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to communication assessment and goal setting for a 37 year old man with HD.

Method: Communication assessment consisted of qualitative interviews based on the ICF framework with the client and his mother, supplemented with quantitative communication assessments. Analysis and conceptualization of assessment information was completed with a modified version of the Rehabilitation Problem Solving Form (RPS-Form) (Steiner et al., 2002).

Results: While impairments in body structures and functions were evident, analysis revealed that environmental factors such as family support were both key barriers and facilitators to communicative participation.

Conclusions: This case illustrates the potential of using the ICF to conceptualize communicative functioning and disability in HD and particularly highlights the importance of consideration of personal and environmental factors in revealing contributions to activity limitations and participation restrictions. Further investigation of applications of ICF for individuals with HD is suggested.

Learning outcomes: As a result of this activity, readers will recognize the application of the WHO ICF to assessment and goal setting in a complex hereditary condition, Huntington Disease. As a result of this activity, readers will describe the use of the Rehabilitation Problem Solving Form (RPS-Form) for communication disorders. As a result of this activity, readers will identify relevant issues in comprehensive communication assessment of a fatal, degenerative neurological condition such as the advantages and challenges of clinical use of the ICF and its coding. As a result of this activity, readers will introduce life storybooks as a potential legacy item in degenerative diseases.