Functioning of women in the postpartum period: an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-based consensus of physical therapists

• Published in: Revista brasileira de fisioterapia (São Carlos (São Paulo, Brazil)) Brazil)), 2021-07, Vol.25 (4), p.450-459
• Main Authors: Bulhões, Élida Raquel Freitas Neri, Dantas, Thaissa Hamana De Macedo, Dantas, Jardelina Hermecina, Souza, Íris Nascimento De, Castaneda, Luciana, Dantas, Diego De Sousa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activities of Daily Living; Adult; Brazil; Consensus; Delphi Technique; Disability; Disability Evaluation; Disabled Persons; Female; Health status indicators; Humans; International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; Original Research; Physical Therapists; Postpartum Period; Puerperium; Rehabilitation; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 1413-3555; 1809-9246; 1809-9246
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2020.12.003

•We identified the ICF categories relevant to describe the problems and resources of women in the postpartum period.•The list of ICF categories comprises all components of the ICF framework.•Physical therapists had a higher agreement about the relevant aspects for the assessment of the postpartum women.•ICF can be used for professionals in this category to improve their evaluations and clinical practice. Physical therapists provide treatment for pain and other common complaints for women in the postpartum period, thereby contributing to the improvement of their functioning. However, before applying any interventions, physical therapists should assess their patients to identify the desired therapeutic goals. In this context, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) may be a useful tool for documenting functioning data and operationalizing collaborative goal setting. To identify ICF categories and the respective domains that should be considered in the evaluation of women postpartum. A consensus-building, three-round e-mail survey was conducted using the Delphi method. The sample included Brazilian physical therapists with expertise in women’s health. Meaningful content was analyzed in accordance to the ICF linking rules. The kappa coefficient and content validity index (CVI) were calculated. The panel consisted of 45 participants with a median age of 33 years and more than 10 years of experience in women’s health. A total of 1261 meaningful contents were identified from the responses in the first round. After consensus was achieved, a final list of 62 items was prepared, including 53 categories (11 were on structures; 15 on body functions; 12 on activities and participation; 15 on environmental factors) and nine personal factors (CVI=0.89). From the perception of physical therapists, an ICF-based postpartum assessment to describe functioning and disability must comprise 53 ICF categories and nine personal factors.