ICF Core Sets for individuals with spinal cord injury in the early post-acute context

• Published in: Spinal cord 2010-04, Vol.48 (4), p.297-304
• Main Authors: Kirchberger, I, Cieza, A, Biering-Sørensen, F, Baumberger, M, Charlifue, S, Post, M W, Campbell, R, Kovindha, A, Ring, H, Sinnott, A, Kostanjsek, N, Stucki, G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anatomy; Biological and medical sciences; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Cerebrospinal fluid. Meninges. Spinal cord; Human Physiology; Humans; Injuries of the nervous system and the skull. Diseases due to physical agents; Medical sciences; Nervous system (semeiology, syndromes); Neurochemistry; Neurology; Neuropsychology; Neurosciences; original-article; Severity of Illness Index; Spinal Cord Injuries - classification; Switzerland; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents
• ISSN: 1362-4393; 1476-5624
• DOI: 10.1038/sc.2009.128

Study design: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preparatory studies was followed. Objectives: The aim of this study was to report on the results of the consensus process to develop the first version of a Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set and a Brief ICF Core Set for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the early post-acute context. Setting: The consensus conference took place in Switzerland. Preparatory studies were performed worldwide. Methods: Preparatory studies included an expert survey, a systematic literature review, a qualitative study and empirical data collection involving people with SCI. ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds. Results: The preparatory studies identified a set of 531 ICF categories at the second, third and fourth levels. From 30 countries, 33 SCI experts attended the consensus conference (11 physicians, 6 physical therapists, 5 occupational therapists, 6 nurses, 3 psychologists and 2 social workers). Altogether 162 second-, third- or fourth-level categories were included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Sets with 63 categories from the component Body Functions , 14 from Body Structures , 53 from Activities and Participation and 32 from Environmental Factors . The Brief Core Set included a total of 25 second-level categories with 8 on Body Functions , 3 on Body Structures , 9 on Activities and Participation , and 5 on Environmental Factors . Conclusion: A formal consensus process-integrating evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF led to the ICF Core Sets for individuals with SCI in the early post-acute context. Further validation of this first version is needed.