Developing core sets for persons with spinal cord injuries based on the International Classification of Functioning,...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Disability Studies
• Health Classification Systems

Background:

• The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a standardized framework for describing health and disability.
• ICF Core Sets are condition-specific selections of ICF categories crucial for clinical practice and research.
• Developing ICF Core Sets for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is essential for consistent assessment and outcome measurement in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the proposed development process for ICF Core Sets specifically for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI).
• To invite participation from clinical experts, consumer representatives, and relevant organizations worldwide.
• To ensure the developed ICF Core Sets are relevant and applicable to individuals with SCI.

Main Methods:

• A multi-faceted international project involving four global studies conducted between 2006 and 2007.
• Identification of relevant ICF categories through an empirical study, systematic literature review, expert survey, and focus groups with individuals with SCI.
• Consensus building via an ICF Core Set Consensus Conference, followed by necessary field testing for validation.

Main Results:

• The abstract outlines the *proposed* development process and does not present final results.
• The process involves rigorous data collection and expert consensus to define Comprehensive and Brief ICF Core Sets for SCI.
• Successful completion will yield a validated version of ICF Core Sets for SCI.

Conclusions:

• The development of ICF Core Sets for SCI is an inclusive and collaborative international effort.
• Active participation from stakeholders is crucial for the successful creation of these standardized tools.
• The resulting ICF Core Sets for SCI aim to enhance the consistency and comparability of functioning and disability assessments.