title: To adopt is to adapt: the process of implementing the ICF with an acute stroke multidisciplinary team in England.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The success of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) depends on its uptake in clinical practice. This project aimed to explore ways the ICF could be used with an acute stroke multidisciplinary team and identify key learning from the implementation process.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using an action research approach, iterative cycles of observe, plan, act and evaluate were used within three phases: exploratory; innovatory and reflective. Thematic analysis was undertaken, using a model of immersion and crystallisation, on data collected via interview and focus groups, e-mail communications, minutes from relevant meetings, field notes and a reflective diary.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two overall themes were determined from the data analysis which enabled implementation. There is a need to: (1) adopt the ICF in ways that meet local service needs; and (2) adapt the ICF language and format.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The empirical findings demonstrate how to make the ICF classification a clinical reality. First, we need to adopt the ICF as a vehicle to implement local service priorities e.g. to structure a multidisciplinary team report, thus enabling ownership of the implementation process. Second, we need to adapt the ICF terminology and format to make it acceptable for use by clinicians.
authors.affiliation: The Centre for Research in Rehabilitation, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University, Uxbridge, United Kingdom. stephanie.tempest@brunel.ac.uk
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tempest
authors.forename: Priscilla
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Harries
authors.forename: Cherry
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kilbride
authors.forename: Lorraine
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: De Souza
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000145:classification* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004739:England; D017144:Focus Groups; D006284:Health Plan Implementation; D006801:Humans; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D024382:Professional Role; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D018875:Vocabulary, Controlled