The International Classification of Functioning (ICF) Core Set for breast cancer from the perspective of women with the condition

Marese Cooney, Rose Galvin, Elizabeth Connolly, Emma Stokes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: The ICF Core Set for breast cancer was generated by international experts for women who have had surgery and radiation but it has not yet been validated. The objective of the study was to validate the ICF Core Set from the perspective of women with breast cancer. Method: A qualitative focus group methodology was used. The sessions were transcribed verbatim. Meaning units were identified by two independent researchers. The agreed list was subsequently linked to ICF categories by two independent researchers according to pre-defined linking rules. Data saturation determined the number of focus groups conducted. Quality of the data analyses was assured by multiple coding and peer review. Results: Thirty-four women participated in seven focus groups. A total of 1621 meaning units were identified which were linked to 74 of the existing 80 Core Set categories. Additional ICF categories not currently included in the Core Set were identified by the women. Conclusion: The validity of the Core Set was largely supported. However, some categories currently not covered by the ICF Core Set for Breast Cancer will need to be considered for inclusion if the Core Set is to reflect all women who have had treatment for breast cancer Implications for Rehabilitation Breast cancer alters body function, structure, activities and participation and environmental factors Women reported difficulties in being able to absorb and retain verbal information following treatment Information given to the women should be available in more than one format and understanding should be checked The Core Sets could be used to map the recovery pathway

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)740-748
Number of pages9
JournalDisability and Rehabilitation
Volume35
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Breast cancer
  • Core Set validation
  • Focus group
  • ICF

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