Validation of the comprehensive ICF Core Sets for patients in early post-acute rehabilitation facilities

To examine the relevance and completeness of the comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Sets for patients in post-acute rehabilitation facilities.

Multi-centre cohort study.

A total of 165 patients (46% female; mean age 67.5 years) from post-acute rehabilitation facilities in 2 Austrian and 7 German hospitals.

Data on functioning were collected using the respective comprehensive post-acute ICF Core Sets. Data was extracted from patients' medical record sheets and interviews with health professionals and patients.

Most of the categories of the comprehensive ICF Core Sets describing impairments, limitations or restrictions occurred in a considerable proportion of the study population. The most outstanding limitations and restrictions of the patients were problems with sleep and blood vessel functions, walking and moving and self-care. Twenty-six aspects of functioning not previously covered by the comprehensive ICF Core Sets were ranked as relevant.

Most categories of the comprehensive ICF Core Set for patients in post-acute rehabilitation facilities were confirmed. No significant gaps in the established set could be identified.