The effectiveness of occupational therapy for patients with post-ischemic stroke by using international classification of functioning, disabilty and health (ICF)in Ningxia

Abstract

Rehabilitation is very essential in improving the well-being of the post-ischemic stroke patients. One of the rehabilitation approaches is International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). ICF is an international reference point for work-disability conceptualisation. Currently, the incidence of stroke cases continues to increase, especially in economically developing countries such as China due to rapid population growth and aging, and changes in environmental and lifestyle factors. Basically, this study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the ICF approach that paired with Barthel Index clinical assessment instrument. An intervention study was conducted to obtain the pre-score and post-score of the post-ischemic patients at Ningxia Hospital. After the data collection, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the data. Together with the sociodemographic data, the t-test and ANOVA were conducted to portrays the data that have been collected. Based on the data analysis, majority of the respondents possessed higher score after the intervention had been introduced. The mean different for post-score is 88.09 ± 8.621 which is higher compared to the pre-score which is 70.13 ± 7.720. In addition, its p-value is lesser than 0.001 which is considered as significant different. It indicates, the intervention had improved the activities of daily living of the patients. In conclusion, the ICF approach could be applied among the post-ischemic stroke patient as it could help the patients to improve their well-being.

Keywords: stroke; rehabilitation; care; occupation therapy