Using content analysis to link texts on assessment and intervention to the International classification of functioning, disability and health - Version for chi ldrenan d youth (ICF-CY)

Abstract

Objective: To explore how content analysis can be used together with linking rules to link texts on assessment and intervention to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health - version for children and youth (ICF-CY). Methods: Individual habilitation plans containing texts on assessment and intervention for children with disabilities and their families were linked to the ICF-CY using content analysis. Texts were first divided into meaning units in order to extract meaningful concepts. Meaningful concepts that were difficult to link to ICF-CY codes were grouped, and coding schemes with critical attributes were developed. Meaningful concepts that could not be linked to the ICF-CY were assigned to the categories "not-definable" and "not-covered", using coding schemes with mutually exclusive categories. Results: The size of the meaning units selected resulted in different numbers and contents of meaningful concepts. Coding schemes with critical attributes of ICF-CY codes facilitated the linking of meaningful concepts to the most appropriate ICF-CY codes. Coding schemes with mutually exclusive categories facilitated the classification of meaningful concepts that could or could not be linked to the ICF-CY. Conclusion: Content analysis techniques can be applied together with linking rules in order to link texts on assessment and intervention to the ICF-CY. © 2011 Foundation of Rehabilitation Information.