Outcome measures used to assess disability post stroke within the framework of the ICF: a literature review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The use of outcome measures has been associated with good practice among clinicians and as a research instrument. These measures can be utilized to assess- and manage patients, observe progress, determine the effects of certain intervention and for research purposes. This scholarly paper investigates the most commonly used outcome measures along the continuum of care, and further provides additional information that will assist researchers and clinicians to decide on the most appropriate outcome measure in a South African Healthcare. METHODS: Literature of the past 10 years dealing with outcome measures was reviewed for this study. The types of papers in this review were systematic reviews, narrative reviews, scholarly papers, longitudinal and cross sectional. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Included in this review are four impairment, five activity/disability, two participation restriction and four quality of life outcome measures. Although a number of these measures have been used in the South African setting, it is not clear whether they have been validated for the local context. Few translated versions relevant to South Africa are available and not all measures are freely available, which could limit the use thereof. CONCLUSION: This paper successfully describes the commonly used outcome measures and aspects that should be taken into account when deciding on the appropriate measure.