Introduction: The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was used for treatment planning and to evaluate the effect of a cognitive group rehabilitation programme. The aim was to identify occupational performance problems defined as important and to analyse the outcome, and to link those problems to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) core set for traumatic brain injury and stroke.

Method: A retrospective design was used, including an analysis of COPM data recorded before and two months after the programme. COPM data from 124 clients were linked to the ICF core sets.

Results: A clinically important difference of 2 COPM scores was reached in 32% of the clients for occupational performance and in 47% for satisfaction with occupational performance. A majority of the problems identified (62%) were classified within the activities and participation component in the ICF, and 38% in body functions. All occupational performance problems could be linked to the ICF; just one of the 36 categories (caring for household objects) was not found in any of the ICF core sets.

Conclusion: By linking the COPM data to the core sets, occupational therapists can be confident in addressing the typical problems of the group of clients identified.