Functioning in lymphedema from the patients’ perspective using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and health (ICF) as a reference Peter B. Viehoff Petra D. C. Gielink Robert J. Damstra Yvonne F. Heerkens Dorine C. van Ravensberg Martino H. A. Neumann 10.6084/m9.figshare.1625348.v1 https://tandf.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/Functioning_in_lymphedema_from_the_patients_8217_perspective_using_the_International_Classification_of_Functioning_Disability_and_health_ICF_as_a_reference/1625348 <div><p></p><p><b>Purpose.</b> To identify and quantify meaningful concepts in lymphedema from the patients’ perspectives using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).</p><p><b>Methods.</b> Six focus group interviews in five different centers were organized, audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed.</p><p><b>Results.</b> A total of 2681 relevant ICF linkings were performed with the focus group data, resulting in 130 different second-level categories. Of these 130 second-level categories, 41 (31.5%) categories were categorized as Body Functions, 20 (15.5%) as Body Structures, 41 (31.5%) as Activities and Participation, and 28 (21.5%) as Environmental Factors. Overall, the most important issues according to the patients were the use of hosiery and bandages, support and relationships, and the shape of structures related to movement.</p><p><b>Conclusion.</b> Based on their experiences with lymphedema, patients reported activity limitations and participation restrictions combined with impaired body functioning. Anatomical changes (Body Structures) were also often mentioned as a problem in daily life. Environmental factors may act as a barrier or facilitator for patient functioning. The ICF provides a valuable reference to identify concepts in statements from lymphedema patients. The results of this research will be used in the development of ICF Core Sets for lymphedema.</p></div> 2015-12-17 08:11:32 International Classification focus group interviews functioning lymphedema category focus group data ICF Core Sets Body Structures