Learning Objective #1: Insight in the terminological analysis that took place in a controlled environment, the Surgical Procedure Editing Tool

Learning Objective #2: Insight in the use of ICF as an unambiguous language

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AIM: The aim of this study was to attain a valid matching onto the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) of terms referring to nine selected disabilities in stroke patients. The nine disabilities were selected from a transfer-form for stroke patients. With a valid match onto the ICF, the terms can be used for disambiguous communication in patient care, research purposes, registration and management information. METHOD: A terminological analysis has been carried out. In this qualitative research, a categorial structure has been developed showing the internal cohesion of terms. The analysis was performed in a controlled environment; the Surgical Procedure Editing Tool (SPET). Data were collected, using in-depth-interviews. The ten participants are caregivers of stroke patients. FINDING: A categorial structure has been developed for at least nine disabilities. By analysing the disabilities within this categorial structure, their meaning has been lined out enabling a correct mapping onto the ICF. CONCLUSION: Compared to matching based on face-validity, this research project lead to a 25% quality improvement of mapping. The terminological analysis makes a large contribution to an unambiguous use of terms by the participants. Recommendations are to analyse more disabilities in with this method in order to evolve the draft categorial structure into a knowledge-model for stroke patients, relevant for this area of expertise.