Content comparison of health-related quality of life measures used in stroke based on the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF): a systematic review

Objective To examine and compare the contents of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures used in stroke, based on the ICF as the frame of reference. Design We conducted a systematic literature review to select current generic and condition-specific HRQoL measures applied in stroke. We examined the contents of the selected measures by linking the concepts within the instruments' items to the ICF. Results The systematic literature review resulted in the selection of six generic and seven stroke-specific HRQoL measures. Within the selected instruments we identified 979 concepts. To map these concepts, we used 200 different ICF categories. None of the ICF categories is contained in all of the instruments. The most frequently used category is 'b152 Emotional functions' contained in 53 items from 10 instruments. Stroke-specific measures more often address 'Mental functions', while the selected generic instruments more often include Environmental Factors. Discussion The present study provides an overview on current HRQoL measures in stroke with respect to their covered contents and provides valuable information to facilitate the selection of appropriate instruments for specific purposes in clinical as well as research settings.