Use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health in Speech-Language-Hearing Therapy: an integrative literature review

ABSTRACT

Purpose:  to carry out an integrative review of literature regarding the use of the ICF in Speech-Language-Hearing Therapy.

Methods:  a search was conducted on both national and international databases, for articles published between 2008 and 2018, considering the following descriptors in Portuguese, English and Spanish: “International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health”, “Speech-Language-Hearing”, and “Speech Therapy”. Duplicated articles, as well as those introducing new ICF-based protocols and studies whose theme didn’t refer exclusively to speech-language-hearing practices were excluded.

Results:  36 articles were found, 9 of which met the inclusion criteria. The articles were categorized according to speech-language-hearing subareas (most belonging to the subarea of language), and to types of study (most being case studies).

Conclusion:  studies point out that the ICF can contribute to the development of unique therapy projects in a broader approach to health in the speech-language-hearing clinic. However, it has been perceived the need for more researches on the theme with applicability to the other fields of knowledge in speech-language-hearing sciences.

Keywords:
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; Speech Therapy; Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences