title: Engaging with clinicians to implement and evaluate the ICF in neurorehabilitation practice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although deemed a globally accepted framework, there remains scare evidence on the process and outcome of implementing the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) within neurorehabilitation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This review briefly explores the existing, broader literature and then reports on two action research projects, undertaken in England, specifically within stroke and neurorehabilitation. Working with participants, including clinicians from in-patient and community settings, there are now 35 different ways identified for the use of the ICF.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The outcome of the first project highlights that using the ICF enhances communication within and beyond the acute stroke service, fosters holistic thinking and clarifies team roles. To adopt it into clinical practice, the ICF must be adapted to meet local service needs. The use of action research has facilitated the knowledge translation process which has enabled the ICF to become a clinical reality in neurorehabilitation, with clinicians identifying a range of potential uses.
authors.affiliation: Occupational Therapy, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK.
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tempest
authors.affiliation: Headway SELNWK, London, UK.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jefferson
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D064702:International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health / Q000592:standards; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000592:standards; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation
keywords: Disability and Health; International Classification of Functioning; implementation; neurorehabilitation