Article

We compared the functioning of two neurological patient groups, amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (ALS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), using brief and
validated International Classification of Functioning (ICF)-based tools. A
12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0)
questionnaire was mailed to ALS and TBI patients and their significant others 2
weeks before their appointment at an outpatient clinic of a university hospital.
In addition, a neurologist filled in the ICF minimal generic set. Two years after
diagnosis, no significant differences between the two diagnosis groups were found
in overall functioning or in working ability using either patient or proxy WHODAS
or physician-rated minimal generic set. In single items, however, clear
differences were found. Patients and significant others rated household
activities, mobility, and self-care as more impaired in the group with ALS, and
learning, concentrating, and maintaining friendships in the group with TBI. There
were no differences between the two diagnosis groups in the WHODAS items
emotional functions, engaging in community, relating with strangers, or in
working ability. Both brief ICF-based generic scales, WHODAS and the ICF generic
set, could show differences between these patient groups with severe disability.
The results of this study should promote assessment of disability with WHODAS 2.0
in ALS and TBI.

Langue : ANGLAIS