Using the international classification of functioning, disability and health to expand understanding of paralysis in the United States through improved surveillance.

2016

Anthony Cahill
[email protected]
505-272-2990

Background: Surveillance on paralysis prevalence has been conceptually and methodologically challenging. Numerous methods have been used to approximate population-level paralysis prevalence estimates leading to widely divergent prevalence estimates. Objective/hypotheses: To describe three phases in use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a framework and planning tool for defining paralysis and developing public health surveillance of this condition.Results: ICF coding led to a national population-based survey of paralysis that produced accurate estimates of prevalence and identification of factors related to the health of people in the U.S. living with paralysis. Conclusions: The ICF can be a useful tool for developing valid and reliable surveillance strategies targeting subgroups of individuals with functional disabilities such as people with paralysis and others.

Paralysis, surveillance, International Classification of Funtioning

Peer-reviewed publications in scholarly journals Published/In Press

Professionals, Policymakers

[email protected]

N/A