Promoting consistent use of the communication function classification system (CFCS)

Abstract

The Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) is a new tool that allows speech-language pathologists to classify children's skills into five meaningful levels of function. There is uncertainty and inconsistent practice in the field about the methods for using this tool. This study used combined two theoretical frameworks to develop an intervention to standardize use of the CFCS among a cohort of speech-language pathologists. The intervention effectively increased clinicians' understanding of the methods for using the CFCS, ability to make correct classifications, and intention to use the tool in the standardized way in the future.

Alignment of classification paradigms for communication abilities in children with cerebral palsy

“…This result is consistent with findings from the earliest reports of the CFCS, reflecting an ‘adequate’ Kappa value . Note, however, that a recent study showed that interrater reliability of the CFCS improved considerably after an extensive web‐based training program . In the present study, further descriptive exploration of interrater agreement revealed that there were differences in agreement within levels of the CFCS.…”

“…Both are rating scales that require subjective judgement to assign levels and can be employed without clinical assessment or direct observation of the person with CP, and thus have utility for registries and surveillance studies. However, studies have reported variability in reliability for both the VSS and the CFCS . It is noteworthy that the CFCS is in widespread use, often as the sole measure of communication abilities in individuals with CP, making the issue of reliability a particularly important one.…”

“…However, studies have reported variability in reliability for both the VSS 6 and the CFCS. 4,10 It is noteworthy that the CFCS is in widespread use, often as the sole measure of communication abilities in individuals with CP, 11,12 making the issue of reliability a particularly important one.…”

A population‐based study of communicative participation in preschool children with speech‐language impairments

“…FOCUS scores in each of the CFCS levels differed significantly from FOCUS scores in each of the other CFCS levels (Table ). The range of scores in each of the CFCS levels suggests that SLPs may still not be classifying children correctly in all cases, an issue previously reported within the PSLP . Total FOCUS scores also differed significantly by age ( F (49, 46, 820)=384.32, p <0.001), with older children achieving higher FOCUS scores than younger children.…”

Validity of the Communication Function Classification System for use with preschool children with communication disorders

“…6 Classification tools like the CFCS can be used with traditional measures of assessment to benefit clinicians, administrators, and researchers. 11,12 The CFCS has not yet been validated for use with children other than those with CP. 6 Administrators can use CFCS classifications to understand the functional status of the children they service and to plan and allocate resources for those children.…”