Why the WHO ICF and QOL constructs do not lend themselves to programmatic appraisal for planning therapy for aphasia. A commentary on Ross and Wertz, 'Advancing appraisal: Aphasia and the WHO'

摘要

Ross and Wertz argue that the WHO family of classifications is important for programmatic appraisal in aphasia. They also state that much research and development needs to occur to achieve Utopia in aphasia appraisal. While we agree that the ICF and WHO QOL are important frameworks to consider for appraisal in aphasia, we do not support the concept of using this as a programmatic approach to appraisal for therapy planning. We consider that a programmatic or systematic approach to client appraisal for therapy planning is not client centred since it is does not focus on the specific needs of the individual. Although we support the argument of Ross and Wertz that much needs to be done in this area if we are to use standardised assessments for outcome measures in efficacy and effectiveness studies, we also consider that Ross and Wertz have not adequately reviewed the considerable amount of existing research and development that has already occurred in this area. We contend that assessments need to be based on empirical knowledge of the construct and it is this area of development that has been neglected for too long.