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Validation of the Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Set for Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Perspective of Physical Therapists

I Kirchberger, PhD, MPH, is Research Scientist, ICF Research Branch of the WHO Collaborating Center for the Family of International Classifications at the German Institute of Medical Documentation and Information (DIMDI), Institute for Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany.
A Glaessel, PT, MSc, is Research Scientist, ICF Research Branch of the WHO Collaborating Center for the Family of International Classifications at the DIMDI, Institute for Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians University.
G Stucki, MD, MSc, is Research Scientist, ICF Research Branch of the WHO Collaborating Center for the Family of International Classifications at the DIMDI, Institute for Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians University, and Professor and Head, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Marchioninistrasse 15, D-812377 Munich, Germany.
A Cieza, PhD, MPH, is Research Scientist and Group Leader, ICF Research Branch of the WHO Collaborating Center for the Family of International Classifications at the DIMDI, Institute for Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians University.

gerold.stucki{at}med.uni-muenchen.de

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) represents the typical spectrum of problems in the functioning of patients with RA. The objective of this study was to validate this ICF Core Set from the perspective of physical therapists.

METHODS: Physical therapists were asked about their intervention goals in a 3-round Delphi survey. Intervention goals were compiled, and the physical therapists were asked whether they considered the goal classes to be relevant. The goal classes then were linked to the ICF.

RESULTS: A total of 82 physical therapists in 12 countries named 562 intervention goals. A total of 45 goal classes covering all ICF components were identified. The goal classes addressing muscle tone, balance and coordination, and psychological distress were not represented in the ICF Core Set for RA.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The validity of the ICF Core Set for RA was largely supported. However, some categories currently not covered by the ICF Core Set for RA will need to be investigated further.

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