The lived experience of dysphagia following non-surgical treatment for head and neck cancer

The prevalence and severity of dysphagia in people treated non-surgically for primary head and neck cancer (HNC) is well documented. However, few studies have looked beyond the physiological impairment to explore the lived experience of dysphagia in the post-treatment period of HNC. The current study adopted a person-centred, qualitative approach to describe the experiences of people living with dysphagia in the months and years following non-surgical treatment for HNC. Using maximum variation sampling, 24 participants who had undergone radiotherapy treatment for HNC were recruited. Individual interviews were conducted to explore the impact of dysphagia on participants' everyday lives. The themes identified included: (1) physical changes related to swallowing; (2) emotions evoked by living with dysphagia; (3) altered perceptions and changes in appreciation of food; and (4) personal and lifestyle impacts. The data revealed the breadth and significance of the impact of dysphagia on the lives of people treated curatively for HNC. Assessment and management in the post-treatment period must be sufficiently holistic to address both the changing physical states and the psychosocial needs of people with dysphagia following HNC. Rehabilitation services which focus only on impairment-based management will fail to fully meet the support needs of this clinical population

Revista de logopedia, foniatría y audiología

Resumen en españolSe describen los fundamentos de la 'International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICE)' y de la 'International Classification Of Functioning, Disability, and Health for Children and Youth (ICE-CY)', y su posible práctica clínica y educativa, así como su influencia en la investigación para el estudio de los trastornos de la comunicación.CataluñaConsejería de Educación. Dirección General de Política Educativa; Calle Delgado Valencia, 6; 06800 Mérida (Badajoz); Tel. +34924006714; Fax +34924006716; [email protected]

Classifying communication disability using the ICF

Health classification schemes not only affect funding of speech-language pathology services but the terminology used in the classification affects the way the profession communicates externally to its stakeholders and internally within the profession. This paper describes the classification scheme of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). While the conceptual framework of the ICF has been established within the profession, the detailed classification scheme is becoming increasingly important to speech-language pathologists. The implementation of the classification worldwide presents many opportunities for speech-language pathologists. Details of the ICF, however, continue to be "work in progress," particularly in areas highly relevant to speech-language pathology such as the differentiation of the Activity and Participation components and their qualifiers. This uncertainty, together with other limitations, needs to be acknowledged by the profession. A research agenda is proposed that aims to place the speech-language pathology profession firmly at the forefront of ICF developments, so that the full scope of the profession's work is suitably acknowledged in the future

An introduction to the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF) for speech-language pathology: Its past, present and future

This paper provides a context for the remainder of this special issue on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and speech-language pathology. It describes the ICF-its past, present and future in relation to the discipline of speech-language pathology. The history of the ICF is presented outlining the characteristics of previous versions of the ICF. In particular the changes to the terminology are described. The current status of the ICF is then depicted, with an emphasis on how the ICF has been operationalized in areas that affect speech-language pathology. The final section summarizes three challenges related to the application of the ICF in speech-language pathology: quickening its translation into clinical practice, developing better agreement on specific classifications relevant to the profession, and finally achieving a full roll out of the broad scope of the ICF in the profession

Influences on Perceived Function of a Nursing Home Resident

This article describes a typical, yet fictionalized woman with Alzheimer’s disease during her first week at a nursing home. Readers are challenged to ask themselves in what areas of difficulty a speech-language pathologist may or may not be able to contribute to the success of this resident. The authors use the World Health Organization’sInternational Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health [International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, 2001, Geneva, Switzerland] as the framework for assessments and the resident-centered interventions for this case study. Learning outcomes The reader will be able to identify the four main constructs of the ICF classification system. The reader will be able to identify three environmental factors that may influence the functioning of a person with Alzheimer’s disease. The reader will be able to discuss at least four interventions that can be implemented by a speech-language pathologist to improve a nursing home resident’s participation in daily activities. </ol