title: Use of the ICF in dysphagia management.
abstract: The evaluation and intervention of persons with dysphagia represents a significant percentage of speech-language pathologists' caseloads in medical settings. Because of its overtly medical nature, there has been considerable focus dealing with the direct physical health aspects of dysphagia management. This article argues that the use of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) by clinicians can expand and greatly enhance the outcomes for persons with dysphagia. The different components of the ICF are discussed in relation to dysphagia assessment and management. The article concludes by noting that speech-language pathologists can use the ICF framework beneficially to justify and strengthen their role in the management of dysphagia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, USA. threatst@slu.edu
authors.forename: Travis T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Threats
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification*; D000368:Aged; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004327:Drinking Behavior; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011788:Quality of Life; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D014944:World Health Organization