The Leeds assessment scale of handicap: its operationalisation, reliability, validity and responsiveness in in-patient rehabilitation

Purpose : This paper describes the application of the handicap dimension of the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicap s. Method: A method of assessing four of the six roles (or areas of expected c ompetency) was developed and applied to an inpatient population, aged 16 to 65 years, receiving specialist rehabilitation following neurological damag e. Handicap assessment was a collaborative process by a multidisciplinary t eam. Difficulties were experienced in measuring inter-rate reliability in t he busy, clinical setting. Results : We conclude that handicap assessment in an in-patient rehabilitat ion unit which uses a multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with complex physical, sensory and cognitive problems is both feasible and usefu l. Conclusion : The developed scale, The Leeds Assessment Scale of Handicap, p rovides a valid and valuable summary of human disadvantage, complementing t he common disability assessments.