Article

The aim of this pilot study was to describe problems in functioning
and associated rehabilitation needs in persons with spinal cord injury after the
2010 earthquake in Haiti by applying a newly developed tool based on the
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).
Pilot study. SUBJECTS: Eighteen persons with spinal cord injury (11 women, 7 men)
participated in the needs assessment. Eleven patients had complete lesions
(American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale;
AIS A), one patient had
tetraplegia. METHODS: Data collection included information from the International
Spinal Cord Injury Core Data Set and a newly developed needs assessment tool
based on ICF Core Sets. This tool assesses the level of functioning, the
corresponding rehabilitation need, and required health professional. Data were
summarized using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: In body functions and body
structures, patients showed typical problems following spinal cord injury. Nearly
all patients showed limitations and restrictions in their activities and
participation related to mobility, self-care and aspects of social integration.
Several environmental factors presented barriers to these limitations and
restrictions. However, the availability of products and social support were
identified as facilitators. Rehabilitation needs were identified in nearly all
aspects of functioning. To address these needs, a multidisciplinary approach
would be needed. CONCLUSION: This ICF-based needs assessment provided useful
information for rehabilitation planning in the context of natural disaster.
Future studies are required to test and, if necessary, adapt the assessment.

Langue : ANGLAIS