Functioning in schizophrenia: a Delphi study covering the perspective of physiotherapists

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Psychiatric Rehabilitation
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Schizophrenia significantly impacts functioning, necessitating tailored rehabilitation.
• Physiotherapists play a crucial role in addressing physical and functional aspects of schizophrenia.
• Standardized assessment tools are vital for effective multidisciplinary care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify barriers, personal characteristics/resources, and environmental factors relevant to schizophrenia assessment and treatment from a physiotherapist's perspective.
• To evaluate the congruence of these identified factors with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Sets for schizophrenia.

Main Methods:

• A three-round Delphi study involving experienced physiotherapists.
• Participants identified relevant aspects of care and rated their importance for functioning in schizophrenia.
• Responses were categorized and compared against the ICF Core Sets for schizophrenia.

Main Results:

• Key barriers, personal characteristics/resources, and environmental factors were identified by physiotherapists.
• The study found substantial agreement with the ICF Comprehensive and Brief Core Sets for schizophrenia.
• Five additional relevant categories were identified beyond the existing Core Sets.

Conclusions:

• Physiotherapists' perspectives largely confirm the content validity of the ICF Core Sets for schizophrenia.
• The ICF Core Sets for schizophrenia are suitable for assessing functioning in individuals with schizophrenia.
• These ICF Core Sets can inform the planning and evaluation of multidisciplinary rehabilitation interventions for schizophrenia.