Does the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for rheumatoid arthritis capture occupational therapy practice? A...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Occupational Therapy
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a framework for health and functioning.
• ICF Core Sets are tailored subsets for specific health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the alignment of the ICF Core Sets for RA with the typical intervention goals of occupational therapists.
• To identify any gaps in the ICF Core Sets for RA concerning occupational therapy practice for RA patients.

Main Methods:

• A three-round survey was conducted with occupational therapists globally.
• Therapists identified and categorized their intervention goals for clients with RA.
• Identified goals were mapped to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.

Main Results:

• A total of 533 intervention goals from 41 occupational therapists across nine countries were analyzed.
• These goals were organized into 48 distinct goal classes and linked to ICF categories.
• Key areas such as self-confidence, relaxation, and psychosocial well-being were found to be unrepresented in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA.

Conclusions:

• The study largely confirms the validity of the ICF Core Set for RA from the perspective of occupational therapists.
• Identified gaps suggest potential areas for refinement or expansion of the ICF Core Set for RA to better reflect clinical practice.