Domains impacted by TBI

TBI impacts multiple domains.

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides clinicians and researchers, policymakers and others with a comprehensive framework for relevant domains of human experience that are affected by health conditions such as TBI (in the context of environmental and personal factors).⁵⁹

The ICF Core Sets for TBI are intended as an international standard of what to measure. They are not health status measures but instead are a comprehensive list of relevant domains of functioning for TBI. They provide a practical checklist for working with people with TBI in the context of specialised brain injury rehabilitation programs in NSW.

Table 2a: ICF brief core sets for TBI⁵⁹

A. Body structures	B. Body functions	C. Activities and participation	D. Environmental factors
Injury	Impairments	Impacts	Supports and barriers, impacts
Structure of brain	Consciousness functions Energy and drive functions Attention functions Memory functions Emotional functions Higher-level cognitive functions Sensation of pain Control of voluntary movement functions	Carrying out daily routine Conversation Walking Self-care Complex interpersonal interactions Family relationships Acquiring, keeping and terminating a job Recreation and leisure	Products and technology for personal use in daily living Products and technology for personal indoor and outdoor mobility and transportation Immediate family Friends Social security services, systems and policies Health services, systems and policies*

Table 2b: Additional categories in the ICF Comprehensive Core Set for TBI

A. Body structures	B. Body functions	C. Activities and participation	D. Environmental factors
Injury	Impairments	Impacts	Supports and barriers, impacts
Structure of brain	Temperament and personality Sexual functions Sleep functions	Handling stress and other psychological demands Intimate relationships Making decisions	Extended family Acquaintances, peers, colleagues, neighbours and community members

^* These 23 categories in the Core Set are a starting point for what’s typical, not an exhaustive list of all possible impairments and impacts.