Presentation and international experience of the Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six (FOCUS) questionnaire

Abstract

Background and aims: Research indicates that communication disorders can significantly impact the quality of life of those affected. These effects, while complex and multifaceted, can be effectively described using the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). This study aims to present the internationally recognized Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six (FOCUS) questionnaire, a state-of-the-art tool for assessing the effectiveness of speech and language therapy within the ICF domains of activity and participation, alongside an overview of research on its application.

Method: The study is based on a literature review of English-language articles that focus on the development and application of the tool, offering a comprehensive overview of the subject.

Results: The FOCUS questionnaire evaluates the daily communication behaviour of children aged 1;6-5;11 years with communication disorders, drawing on parental reports. Evidence from the literature highlights the tool’s robust psychometric properties. Adapted into multiple languages, FOCUS has been applied across diverse populations, for various purposes, and in different versions. Notably, the official Hungarian translation, FOCUS-HU, was completed in 2022.

Conclusions: The review suggests the potential for utilizing the questionnaire in both research and practical applications.