Development of an ICF-based questionnaire for urinary and/or fecal incontinence (ICF-IAF): The male patients' perspective using focus groups.

AIMS: This study seeks to explore barriers faced by and resources available to male patients with urinary (UI) and/or fecal incontinence (FI) based on the ICF framework. As a result, this study contributes to the development of the ICF-Incontinence Assessment Form (ICF-IAF), which is designed to be a standardized planning and evaluation tool for interventions in a multidisciplinary setting. METHODS: A mixed-method sequential design that places emphasis on the quantitative approach was considered appropriate for this study. Focus group interviews (FG) were chosen to collect data. Data were analysed with deductive content analysis and themes identified during FG were linked to the most corresponding ICF categories by two raters. Cohen's κ was calculated to determine interrater reliability. RESULTS: Four FG were conducted with a total of 13 male participants. The mean age of the participants was 74.7 years. A total of 73 barriers and resources on the second ICF level (body functions 26, body structures five, activities and participation 26 and environmental factors 16), whereby four categories were not sufficiently covered by the ICF, could be identified. The κ score for the two raters was 0.82. CONCLUSIONS: While barriers are fundamental factors affecting patients, this study found that resources are as important and should not be overlooked in the conventional treatment in both UI and FI-specific assessments.

Development of an ICF-based questionnaire for urinary and/or fecal incontinence (ICF-IAF): The female patients' perspective using focus groups (subproject).

AIMS: The aim of this study was to identify the problems and resources of women with urinary or fecal incontinence based on the International Classification of Function and Health (ICF) framework and detecting the impact on the personal environment and quality of life. This study forms part of a project with an overall goal to enable standardized planning and evaluation of interventions in multi-professional settings. METHODS: To answer the study question a mixed-method sequential design with a priority to the quantitative approach was considered appropriate. Regarding methods, focus groups were chosen to collect data. Transcripts were analyzed with content analysis and identified concepts linked to the corresponding ICF categories by two different raters. Cohen's kappa was calculated for interrater reliability. RESULTS: Thirteen women with a mean age of 69.9 years were recruited. Four focus groups were conducted, whereas saturation was reached after two focus groups. Overall transcripts 99 defined ICF categories at second level could be linked (body functions = 31, body structures = 5, activities and participation = 33, and environmental factors = 30) whereas 4 categories were not sufficiently covered by the ICF (3 = personal factors, 1 = not covered). CONCLUSIONS: This study has determined 103 resources and problems based on the ICF model of women with urinary and/or fecal incontinence. In spite of these results, it was shown that four concepts are not fully covered by the ICF framework. The current data highlight the importance of an extension of the ICF model, especially towards the personal factors of patients.