ICF Core Set for patients with musculoskeletal conditions in early post-acute rehabilitation facilities

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this consensus process was to decide on a first version of the ICF Core Set for patients with musculoskeletal conditions in early post-acute rehabilitation facilities.

Methods: The ICF Core Set development involved a formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies including focus groups of health professionals, a systematic review of the literature and empiric data collection from patients.

Results: Fifteen experts selected a total of 70 second-level categories. The largest number of categories was selected from the ICF component Body Functions (23 categories or 33%). Seven (10%) of the categories were selected from the component Body Structures, 22 (31%) from the component Activities and Participation, and 18 (26%) from the component Environmental Factors.

Conclusion: The Post-acute ICF Core Set for patients with musculoskeletal conditions is a clinical framework to comprehensively assess patients in early post-acute rehabilitation facilities, particularly in an interdisciplinary setting. This first ICF Core Set will be further tested through empiric studies in German-speaking countries and internationally.