Abstract
Purpose :
In preparation for the development of an international classification of functioning disability and health (ICF) core set (CS) vision loss for adults and elderly. We conducted an explorative study to, identify and quantify the most common daily problems and needs of people with vision loss in Flanders (Belgium).
Methods :
In this qualitative study, we used a focus group methodology. We held 5 online focus group meetings by using Zoom with 18 Flemings with vision loss. The mean age of the participants was 42 years (SD 12.43) and participants had 11 different eye disorders. Participants were randomly selected and spread over all the provinces in Flanders. All focus group meetings were recorded, transcribed and meaningful concepts were independently linked by two researchers to the ICF.
Results :
A total of 409 concepts were linked to ICF, spread over 119 categories. Most of them belong to the activity and participation component (53%). The most linked concepts for activity and participation were in the chapter mobility (13%), domestic care (11%) and major life areas (8%). More specifically, problems or needs with the use of motorized public transport, getting around the house, acquisition of goods, and cleaning the living space. It was often indicated that there were problems with self-care: hair, skin and nails. They also experienced many problems with the use of telecommunication equipment, starting a relationships and reading. People indicated that external factors (30%) play an important role. Their immediate family, friends and healthcare providers were considered highly influential for their functioning in society.
Conclusions :
Based on this study, we can conclude that adults and elderly people with vision loss seem to mainly experience problems and needs in the areas of self-care, housekeeping and mobility. And there is a big need for recreation and leisure activities. The presence of family, friends and healthcare providers plays a major role in their functioning in society. In follow-up research to develop the ICF CS vision loss, it could be worth to extended it to all WHO regions to check whether other regions can draw the same conclusion, and in this way contribute to a culturally independent CS. This is just one of the perspectives we consider in the development of the ICF CS vision loss. In other preparatory studies, we will focus on the perspective of researchers and healthcare providers.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.