Development of simple descriptions of the ICF Generic-30 Set in different languages: laying the foundation for an...

Functioning is considered a third indicator of health and a key outcome in rehabilitation. A universal practical tool for collecting functioning information is essential. This tool would be ideally based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

To report the results of the development of country/language-specific versions of an ICF-based clinical tool in six European countries.

Consensus process.

Expert conferences.

Multi-professional group of rehabilitation professionals in six European countries.

1) Developed an initial proposal by translating the published English-language version of the simple descriptions into the targeted language; 2) conducted a multi-stage consensus conference to finalize the descriptions; 3) employed a three-stage multi-professional expert panel translation back to English. The consensus conference model was modified for geographically large countries.

Croatian, Flemish/Dutch, Greek, Polish, and Turkish versions were produced.

The creation of the country/language-specific simple descriptions is a significant part of the "system-wide implementation of the ICF" initiative that will pave the way for the implementation of the ICF in national health systems.

The practical ICF-based clinical tool with country/language specific versions for standardized reporting of functioning will serve as a means of integrating functioning information in national health systems and additionally for monitoring the effects of rehabilitation interventions.