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Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is a rare late-onset muscle disease associated with progressive dysphagia. As there was no patient-reported outcome measure specific for the assessment of dysphagia in OPMD, the Dysphagiameter was developed. The Food and Drug Administration guidance was followed. In Phase 1, a systematic literature review and an expert consultation were conducted to identify the concepts of interest. It was decided that the instrument should assess difficulty swallowing using pictures of foods of various textures (part A) and impact of dysphagia on activities and participation (part B), as defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. In Phase 2, focus groups (n = 3) and online surveys (n = 55) were conducted to generate the items. Then, the food items for part A were selected and grouped into 17 textures by a panel of registered dietitians. Cognitive interviews were conducted (n = 23) to refine the instrument and assess its clarity and comprehensiveness. The final draft included 82 food items assessing the capacity to swallow foods and drinks (part A) and 10 items assessing the impact of dysphagia on activities and participation (part B). Item reduction and assessment of psychometrics properties, using Rasch analysis, are ongoing as part of Phase 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Fisioterapia Brasil is the property of Atlantica Editora and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• The instruments developed for traumatic brachial plexus injuries were Brachial Assessment Tool and Impact of Brachial Plexus Injury Questionnaire. • The questionnaires' items are mostly related to activities and participation. • Environmental factors were poorly addressed on the questionnaires' items. Brachial plexus injuries (BPI) affect not only body structure and function, but also several aspects of individual's well-being. Considering the crescent need for assessing such patients through a biopsychosocial perspective, linking meaningful concepts of BPI instruments to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a useful overview of how the ICF components are contemplated on the current measurements available. To identify patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) specifically designed for BPI assessment and link the content with the ICF. Content Analysis through ICF linking. The study was conducted in two steps: the first one encompassed a literature review to identify questionnaires specifically designed for assessing patients with BPI, where two PROMs were eligible: the Brachial Assessment Tool (BrAT) and the Impact of Brachial Plexus Injury Questionnaire (IBPIQ); in the second phase, the items of such instruments were linked to the ICF by two independent reviewers, in accordance to the methodology proposed by Cieza et al. 54 different significant concepts were identified from the 74 questionnaire items and linked to 49 distinct ICF categories. The categories were mostly related to the activities and participation component (56.9%, n = 29), followed by body functions (27.45%, n = 14), body structures (9.8%, n = 5) and environmental factors component (1.96%, n = 1). The questionnaires developed for adults with BPI were BrAT and IBPIQ. Although both instruments presented with a diverse coverage of ICF components, their content had a major focus on activities and participation domain and poorly or did not addressed environmental factors. Thus, other instruments could be considered in a complementary way for clinical assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice is the property of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice (Editorial Board, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Though not considered a core diagnostic criterion, most children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) present with motor impairments that persist into adolescence. In addition, compared to same-age peers, children with ASD participate less in physical, leisure, and recreation activities. The World Health Organization considers participation to be critical to quality of life. This scoping review presents the types of interventions used to address gross motor impairments, and the standardized outcome measures within the domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), used to evaluate the impact of the interventions. Results produced 17 articles and five types of motor interventions, including land-based exercise, motor physical activity interventions; sports-based, active recreation; movement-based mind-body interventions; equine or therapeutic horseback riding, and active video games/virtual and augmented reality. The interventions were provided by either a single discipline or an interprofessional team, with physical and recreational therapy being underrepresented as team members. Most studies used outcome measures in the body functions and structures, and activities domains of the ICF and few in the participation domain. The results of this study will be important to professionals for planning, implementing, and monitoring interventions for children with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model, created by the World Health Organization, provides a theoretical framework that can be applied in the diagnosis and treatment of various disorders. Objects: Our research purposed to ascertain the relationship between structure/function, activity, and participation domain variables of the ICF and pain, pain-associated disability, activities of daily living (ADL), and quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). Methods: Two-hundred patients with chronic LBP (mean age: 35.5 ± 8.8 years, females, n = 40) were recruited from hospital and community settings. We evaluated the body structure/ function domain variable using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Roland–Morris disability (RMD) questionnaire. To evaluate the activity domain variable, we used the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBDS). For clinical outcome measures, we used Short-form 12 (SF-12). Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to ascertain the relationships among the variables (p < 0.05). All the participants with LBP received 30 minutes of conventional physical therapy 3 days/week for 4 weeks. Results: There were significant correlations between the body structure/function domain (NPRS and RMD questionnaire), activity domain (ODI and QBDS), and participation domain variables (SF-12), rending from pre-intervention (r = –0.723 to 0.783) and postintervention (r = –0.742 to 0.757, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The identification of a significant difference between these domain variables point to important relationships between pain, disability, performance of ADL, and quality in participants with LBP.

The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the respiratory rehabilitation program for patients after a new coronavirus infection COVID-19 from the standpoint of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.Methods and materials. A study of 59 patients who underwent a new coronavirus infection COVID-19 and were hospitalized after 2–3 months for a rehabilitation course was conducted on the basis of the Pavlov University in 2020–2022. The main group included 38 patients (12 men and 26 women), the comparison group consisted of 21 patients (14 men and 7 women). The program of respiratory rehabilitation of patients who underwent COVD-19 included therapeutic gymnastics (breathing exercises, restorative physical exercises, special strength-oriented physical exercises), Nordic walking and physiotherapy procedures. The program developed by us was implemented during 2 weeks of inpatient stay of patients. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the respiratory rehabilitation program for patients who underwent COVID-19 was carried out on the basis of GOST R 57960 – 2017 “Evaluation of the results of rehabilitation services”.Results. Based on the evaluation of the effectiveness of rehabilitation in both groups according to GOST R 57960 – 2017 “Evaluation of the results of rehabilitation services”, the sum of individual indicators in patients of the main group was 84.7 points, the average score was 2.2. The sum of individual indicators in patients of the comparison group was 25.4 points, the average score was 1.2. Thus, the effectiveness of respiratory rehabilitation of patients of the main group according to GOST – excellent, in patients of the comparison group – satisfactory.Conclusions. The ICF categories have been formed, which allow us to provide objective information about the condition of patients who have undergone a new coronavirus infection in moderate and severe forms. A program of respiratory rehabilitation has been developed, including classes in breathing exercises, restorative physical exercises, special strength-oriented physical exercises, Nordic walking, and physiotherapy procedures. The effectiveness of respiratory rehabilitation of patients of the main group can be recognized as excellent.

Innovation in technology has changed the way we interact, collaborate and conduct business. In the next 10 years, there will be a lot of changes in how we, as patients, clients and healthcare workers, experience healthcare. As they consider how to adapt medical and clinical specialists who focus on devices, such as prosthetists and orthotists, are presented with both an opportunity and a challenge. Less focus is placed on engineering and business abilities in the current prosthetic and orthotic education and practice, and more emphasis is placed on clinical skills. However, each of the three is important for a prosthetics and orthotics business to be successful and last for a long time. Furthermore, the latter two will have a significant impact on how prosthetics and orthotics look in the future. It is unclear how contemporary prosthetic and orthotic professionals can respond most effectively. In this editorial, one option is to rebalance their professional character so that the three most important parts are given equal weight. As a result, a Clinical Prosthetic Orthotic Technology Management Professional would practice their profession in a way that is client-centred, functionally grounded and incorporates eight professional traits: professional, advocate, scholar, leader, communicator, collaborator, assistive technology expert and business justification specialist.

Objectives: In line with the World Health Organizations' health definition, patient‐reported outcome (PRO) measures frequently cover aspects of social health. Our study aimed to evaluate the role functioning (RF) and social functioning (SF) contents assessed by PRO measures commonly used in cancer patients. Methods: We analysed the item content of the SF and RF domains of the EORTC CAT Core, the EORTC QLQ‐C30, the SF‐36, and the FACT‐G as well as the PROMIS item bank covering the Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities. Following an established methodology we linked item content to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. Results: The content of 85 items was assigned to three ICF components ('Activities and Participation', 'Body Functions', and 'Environmental Factors'). The EORTC CAT Core RF items were mostly related to the first‐level ICF categories 'Domestic life' and 'Community, social and civic life', while its SF item bank focused on 'Interpersonal interactions and relationships'. These three categories were also covered by the PROMIS social participation item bank. The FACT‐G Social/Family scale focused on environmental factors ('Support and Relationships' and 'Attitudes') while the SF‐36 Role‐physical/emotional scales had a stronger focus on 'General tasks and demands' and 'Major life areas'. Conclusions: Our results highlight conceptual overlap and differences among PRO measures for the assessment of social health in cancer. This information may help to select the most appropriate measure for a specific setting or study purpose and to better understand the possibilities of linking scores across different PRO measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability in Brazil, and its prognostic indicators of social reintegration are not well established yet. To identify body structure/function impairments and activity limitations in post-stroke that predict social participation restrictions in the community. cohort studies were selected, involving adult post-stroke participants, which investigated body structure and function impairments or activity limitations of post-stroke individuals as predictors of social participation in the community. Studies that included individuals with subarachnoid hemorrhage, other neurological disorders and participants in long-term care facilities were excluded. The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale was applied to assess the methodological quality. The results were synthesized according to the found exposures, considering the used statistical models. Eleven articles were included, with a total of 2,412 individuals, 58.4% men, 83.7% ischemic stroke. Seven exposures were assessed across studies, in which 10 studies assessed body structure and function exposures (stroke severity, cognitive, executive, emotional and motor function), and 8 studies assessed activity exposures (daily living activity and walking ability). There is some evidence that stroke severity, mental and motor deficits, limitations in activities of daily living and the ability to walk after a stroke can predict social participation in the community. PROSPERO registration CRD42020177591. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current knowledge regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is constantly evolving, and the long-term functional impairments, limitations, and restrictions have not yet been well established. Objective: to evaluate the impact of post-COVID condition on the human functioning through the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) classification. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study with 53 individuals with post-COVID condition at 3 time points: 0 to 3 (baseline), 3 to 6, and 6-12 months (follow-up). Outcomes were organized in dichotomous variable: No impairment (0); presence of impairment (≥1) in body function, structure, activities, and participation domains according to the ICF checklist. Chi-square test was used to determine the differences of 3 time points, and association with persistent symptoms. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed between the periods, with greater disabilities at 6-12 than at 0-3 months in mental, sensory, pain, and movement-related functions; cardiovascular, immunological, and respiratory systems. In terms of activity and participation, a greater limitation at 6-12 months was observed than at 0-3 months in learning and applying knowledge, general tasks, and mobility. In the domain of interpersonal interactions and relationships, there was a statistically significant difference between the 6-12 and 3-6 months groups. Associations between COVID-19 symptoms and ICF components at the first follow-up were: anosmia and dysgeusia with weight maintenance, fatigue and irritability with pain, brain fog with watching and listening, walking difficulty with pain, and headache with pain, watching, and listening. At the second follow-up were: anosmia and dysgeusia with energy and drive functions, attention, memory, and emotional functions; dizziness with watching and listening; fatigue with emotional function, pain, undertaking multiple tasks, lifting and carrying objects, and driving; irritability with energy and drive, emotional function, undertaking multiple tasks, lifting and carrying objects, and walking; walking difficulty with energy and driving, emotional function, respiration, muscle power, cardiovascular system, undertaking multiple tasks, lifting and carrying objects, and walking; and headache with emotional function, watching, and listening. Conclusions: Individuals with COVID-19 persistent symptoms showed impairments in structure and function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions during the 1-year follow-up period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are several tools to assess functional and physical status in critical ill patients. These tools can guide rehabilitation strategies in Intensive care units (ICU). However, they are not standardized, and this can compromise their applicability. The aim of the study is to identify common contents between International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and Medical Research Council sum score (MRC-ss), Functional Status Score for the ICU (FSS-ICU), and Physical Function in ICU Test-scored (PFIT-s). As well as to propose a new assessment approach based on the ICF to ICU patients. Methods: Pilot cross-sectional study. ICU in-patients, both genders, aged between 50 and 75 years were assessed with MRC-ss, FSS-ICU, PFIT-s and the linking rules used were proposed by Cieza et al. The inter-rater agreement for the linking process was performed using the Kappa coefficient. Results: The ICF categories identified in the tools covered a total of 14 items. Common contents were identified in 13 of the 14 and two were related to body functions, six to body structures and five to activities and participation. The inter-rater agreement was considered substantial for the linking of MRC-ss (k = 0.665) and PFIT-s (k = 0.749) to the ICF, and almost perfect for the FSS-ICU (k = 0.832). Conclusions: This study synthesizes and categorizes commonly used tools and presents a new proposal based on the ICF to guide future studies. The proposed model combines the ICF with the contents of the most relevant instruments used in critical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The social determinants of health impact disproportionately on disabled people creating a cumulative risk of unequal oral health outcomes, compounded by impairment. Problems in early life, education and employment, poor social status and support, social exclusion, poverty and stress characterize the life course of many disabled people. Ableism and exclusion combine to ensure that disabled voices are rarely heard, ignorance and indifference lead to prejudice in policy‐making and enforcement and negative media attitudes fuelled by political austerity lead to stigmatization. Yet, the health disparities experienced by disabled people are still perceived as being uniquely caused by a medical condition or impaired body function, excluding disabled people from the inequalities discourse. In parallel, the influence of medical conditions within other marginalized groups are minimized (e.g. mental health), leading to the underestimation of the impact of disability on oral health generally. The common ground between all groups subject to oral health inequalities can be conceptualized using the WHO International Classification of Functioning. Outcomes for all might be improved by emphasizing this common ground; by considering disability as a primary variable, such as gender or age; by identifying disabled people within existing inequalities research; and by explicitly including disabled people in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Mid-life family caregivers (CGs) are at risk for participation restriction, which can worsen quality of care for care recipients (CR) and increase CG burden and poor health. We aimed to identify factors associated with participation restriction in mid-life CGs. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of CGs aged 40–64 years (n = 1100) from the 2015 cohort of the National Study of Caregiving (NSOC)/National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate personal and caregiving attributes associated with restricted participation. Results: Individual items from the negative and Positive aspects of caregiving (PAC) scales were associated with participation restriction. Mid-life caregivers with "frequent changes to caregiving routine" and "no time for self" were more likely to report restricted participation and those feeling "closer to the CR" were less likely to report restricted participation. Discussion: Interventions to optimize caregiving routines and improve dyadic relationships could decrease participation restriction in mid-life CGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rehabilitation is an essential health care service and a critical component of comprehensive multiple sclerosis (MS) care. Objective: As part of a 2-day meeting hosted by the International Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials in MS in December 2022, a panel initiated a discussion on the conceptual and practical issues related to selecting intermediate outcomes for clinical trials of MS rehabilitation interventions. Results: The overarching goal of rehabilitation – optimal functioning – was acknowledged as a complex biopsychosocial phenomenon that varies with patient priorities and environmental context. This complexity means that multiple causal pathways and potential intermediate outcomes must be carefully considered during the design of clinical trials in MS rehabilitation that aim to improve functioning. In addition, practical issues must be considered such as psychometric properties of outcome measures, measure type, and characteristics of the target population, including severity of dysfunction. Conclusion: This article uses the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as a foundation for determining relevant intermediate outcomes for clinical trials of MS rehabilitation interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Fisioterapia Brasil is the property of Atlantica Editora and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

ABSTRACT Purpose To characterize changes in the functioning aspects, in the perception of children and adolescents with speech and language disorders under speech-language follow-up, using the ICF. Methods Descriptive, analytical and longitudinal research, with a qualitative and quantitative approach, whose sample consisted of 60 children and adolescents: 30 with speech and language disorders and 30 with typical speech and language development. Data collection was carried out in two moments: beginning of the research and six months later. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the participants, and a medical records analysis was performed. From these data, functioning was classified using he ICF categories. The Wilcoxon test and thematic content analysis were used to compare the interviews. Results The use of ICF allowed characterizing changes resulting from speech-language follow-up. Participants with speech and language disorders presented a decrease in the magnitude of the qualifiers in the categories: articulation and fluency, social relationships, daily activities, engagement in play, people's attitude barriers, and how to handle stress. Conclusion The findings show changes in components of Body Functions, Activities and Participation, and the influence of Environmental Factors after speech-language follow-up, in the perception of the studied group, which brings relevant subsidies for a greater understanding of functioning and therapeutic intervention. The use of the ICF enabled the longitudinal analysis in a biopsychosocial approach, contemplating, in addition to biological aspects, the social impact of speech and language disorders in the lives of these children and adolescents.

To analyze WHODAS 2.0's diagnostic capacity and accuracy in stroke survivors. Cross-sectional methodological study, in which individuals with chronic stroke were evaluated. Disability was considered the outcome variable, being evaluated by WHODAS 2.0; the modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used as the parameter variable. Disability was categorized in two levels being: "No or mild disability" (mRS 0–2) and "Moderate to severe disability" (mRS 3–5). To identify the cutoff point, a Receiver-Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% and considering sensitivity and specificity. The cutoff point >39.62 proved acceptable for distinguishing individuals with moderate/severe disability from individuals with no or mild disability (≤39.62 points), with 66.22% sensitivity, 72.41% specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) of 45.45%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 84.74%. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.747 (CI 95%: 0.65–0.83; p < 0.001). WHODAS 2.0 demonstrated acceptable diagnostic capacity and the cutoff point of 39.62 proved suitable for distinguishing individuals with moderate/severe disability from those with no or mild disability after stroke. WHODAS 2.0 demonstrated acceptable diagnostic capacity. The WHODAS 2.0 cut-off point of >39.62 allows stratification of post-stroke disability into two different levels (no/mild disability versus moderate/severe disability). These results facilitate clinical decision-making by rehabilitation professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in the field of critical care medicine have helped improve the survival rate of these ill patients. Several studies have demonstrated the potential benefits of early mobilization as an important component of critical care rehabilitation. However, there have been some inconsistent results. Moreover, the lack of standardized mobilization protocols and the associated safety concerns are a barrier to the implementation of early mobilization in critically ill patients. Therefore, determining the appropriate modalities of implementation of early mobilization is a key imperative to leverage its potential in these patients. In this paper, we review the contemporary literature to summarize the strategies for early mobilization of critically ill patients, assess the implementation and validity based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, as well as discuss the safety aspects of early mobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to propose a link between Functional Independence Measure (FIM) levels and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) qualifiers for use in low- or middle-income countries such as Brazil. Method: A multidisciplinary committee was formed to discuss the need for standardisation of the classification so that different professionals could accurately record the functioning and for the standardisation to be meaningful for the individual and his /her support group, allowing observation and participation in the rehabilitation process. The proposed steps to adapt linking ICF qualifiers with FIM scores and functional levels were: 1. Inversion, 2. Parity, 3.Transposition, and 4. Adaptation. Results: FIM's seven levels of functioning have been linked to the five ICF qualifiers. FIM levels "7 (independent)" and "6 (modified independence)" have been linked to qualifiers "0 (no problem)" and "1 (mild problem)", respectively. FIM levels "4" and "5" have been grouped and linked to ICF qualifier "2 (moderate)". FIM levels "3" and "2" have been related to qualifier "3 (severe)". FIM level "1" which indicates complete dependence has been linked to qualifier "4 (complete)". Conclusion: This methodology allows for the creation of a link between the FIM and ICF, preserving clinically important information and having a description and clear relationship. It is thus able to facilitate clinical use of the ICF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A frame of reference is needed to increase the comparability of vocational rehabilitation assessment instruments and the interpretation of their results. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is a relevant framework, and when linking rules are used, items from existing assessment instruments can be linked to the appropriate categories as described in the ICF. OBJECTIVE: To develop an adapted linking methodology in which experts are involved by means of the application of consensus methods and to transfer this result in a step-by-step set of guidelines, supporting researchers and professionals, linking complex instruments to the ICF. METHODS: The main researcher developed the initial linking of the Integration von Menschen mit Behinderungen in die Arbeitswelt (IMBA) to the ICF by rigorously applying the refined ICF linking rules. To validate this linking, the Delphi and nominal group technique was integrated through different steps, and experts were involved in the process. The method section describes the linking process chronologically with focuses on the used approach, the involvement of experts, and the processing of the output. RESULTS: The results are presented in a 7-step set of guidelines describing the chronological process from the initial to the validated linking. These guidelines describe the core elements in the application of the linking rules and consensus methods in a manual for researchers who are interested in linking complex instruments to the ICF by involving experts. CONCLUSIONS: The Delphi and nominal group technique can be successfully integrated in the linking process, making it possible to involve experts in linking complex instruments to the ICF. A homogeneous composition of the expert panel in terms of knowledge, a heterogeneous composition in terms of setting, a rigorous and repeated application of the linking rules, and structured processing of the output are essential to achieve a valid linking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the development of a participatory methodological study involving autistic people with varying levels of support needs in the design and validation of an instrument devised to assess the effects of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and the strategies used to cope with the crisis. The development of the instrument involved the following stages: Definition of the domains to be assessed (researchers in consultation with experts and autistic people); Design of the instrument (researchers with the co-participation of autistic people); Validation of the instrument (by experts and autistic people, led by the researchers); and Final approval of the instrument (co-participation between researchers and autistic people). In addition to making the instrument more robust, the participation of autistic people in the design and application of the instrument reinforced the importance of strategies to include autistic people in research as both study participants and co-researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Telehealth can be an alternative action at a distance that can help as a form of motor intervention, alleviating the deleterious effects arising from social distancing on functional capacity, mental health and quality of life among older people with dementia during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Purpose: We aim to analyze the effects of a telehealth program on functional capacity, mental health and quality of life among older people with dementia and their caregivers. Methods: seventy‐eight individuals with mild and moderate dementia and their caregivers will answer an anamnesis and be evaluated through Clinical Dementia Assessment Score. They will also be evaluated by blinded examiners in terms of functional capacity (Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0), mental health (Mini‐Mental State Examination, Clock Drawing Test, Verbal Fluency test and the Neuropsychiatric Inventor) and quality of life (Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease scale). Afterward, the volunteers will be randomized into the telehealth training group and the control group. The TR will perform systematic physical and cognitive exercises in 50‐min sessions three times a week with professional monitoring, while the CG will receive non‐systematized guidance, both for 12 weeks. Participants will be evaluated at baseline, immediately after the three‐month interventions and with a 12‐week follow‐ up. Discussion: Technological approaches such as telehealth can be a viable alternative in home care service during times of pandemic. We expect that older people with dementia and their caregivers have high adherence to the telehealth program and improve their functional capacity, mental health and quality of life of older people with dementia. Telehealth is an alternative that can contribute to public policies and the development of effective intervention strategies that neutralize adverse outcomes. It can also be presented as an alternative to home care services, which could reduce demands for health resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: This study describes the development of an International Clas-sification for Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)-based inventory for tinnitus (ICF-TINI) that measures the impact of tinnitus on the function, activities, and participation of an individual. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized the ICF-TINI, which included 15 items from the two ICF components of body function and activities. We included 137 respon-dents with chronic tinnitus. Confirmatory factor analysis validated the two-structure framework (body function, activities and participation). The model fit was assessed by comparing fit values of chi-square (df), root mean square error of approximation, comparative fit index, incremental fit index, and Tucker-Lewis index, with the suggested fit criteria values. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess internal consistency reliability. Results: The fit indices confirmed the presence of two structures in ICF-TINI, while the factor loading values suggested each item's goodness of fit. The ICF-internal TINI exhibited high consistency reliability (0.93). Conclusions: The ICF-TINI is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the impact of tinnitus on an individual's body function, activities, and participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need for a theoretically informed, contextualized approach to measuring oral health from a multidisciplinary perspective that goes beyond the commonly used clinical indices and sociodental measures. This commentary aims to discuss the potential for the WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to provide a model for the development of indicators for oral health. It is suggested that the ICF might provide both a theoretical model and an operational classification for indicators of oral health. The ICF model states that human experience of physical, cognitive and social functioning is universal and, thus, can be described and qualified. Human function is given social and environmental context within the model at both an individual and population level. The ICF can not only capture data regarding oral health and function at the physiological level (e.g. chewing) but also at the social level (e.g. sharing meals). It is able not only to capture aspects of preventive behaviour (e.g. caring for teeth) but also aspects of social facilitation (e.g. economic self‐sufficiency) or ability to fulfil a social role (e.g. remunerative employment). It also includes aspects of social environment, such as healthcare services or political, economic and legal systems. Case studies are given as examples of the potential use of the ICF in the oral health domain. Examples are also given of the first steps that have been made towards operationalization of the ICF in data collection and oral health research. The challenges of encompassing such a comprehensive model into a practical oral health measure are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: There is willingness in Europe to implement the use of a biopsychosocial model such as the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) for assessing work incapacity. OBJECTIVE: A preliminary study was conducted to investigate the perceptions of medical advisers on the value of structuring clients' biopsychosocial information in an ICF-based report. METHOD: A sample (n = 101) received a perception questionnaire after watching two comparative videos based on a clinical case. Questions relating to work incapacity were also asked. The data was analysed using quantitative methods. Comments were also collected. RESULTS: Before knowing the ICF-based report, 61.96% of the respondents believed a return to work seems possible by providing adapted work or a different job. There is an increase of 8.69 pp (p-value: 0.077) after reading the report. Opening up the initial sample to more insurance physicians (n = 119), the difference is more significant (p-value: 0.012). Also, 71.9% of respondents believe they have a better view of the client's biopsychosocial situation after reading the report. Respondents recognise the clinical and diagnostic relevance of ICF but say it cannot be used at the moment for various reasons, such as the time required or the need for a multidisciplinary team and effective coordination. Older respondents are less enthusiastic about the appropriateness of using ICF. CONCLUSION: The respondents identify an added value in having a biopsychosocial based-report. After learning about the report, more physicians see opportunities for professional re-integration than before. The medical advisers and their team must be strengthened and receive a clear role in order to empower them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Approximately 15% of the world population have some forms of disability and their quality of life is compromised. According to Thailand Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Empowerment Act, B.E. 2550 (2007), PWDs are entitled for benefits ranging from medical care to social support services. The CBR framework and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) can be used to promote the interdisciplinary approach across staff from different organizations. This study aimed to demonstrate the capacity building strategy for user organizations and resource teams, the key components in environment of scale-up as described in “WHO/ExpandNet Scaling-up Framework” to promote the implementation process of CBR interventions in Thailand. Methods The study was conducted with a network of representative from five sub-districts in Thailand. A set of capacity building training courses was designed. Fieldworkers were trained to administer the ICF questionnaire to collect data of PWDs in community. A qualitative interview was conducted to investigate the changes of the interdisciplinary teams. Results The total of 1,783 PWDs data were collected during 1 April 2018–30 December 2019. All of them have, at least, one type of impairment and one type of difficulty in activity of daily living (ADL). Needs of assistive devices and home modifications were also recognized. Individual ICF profiles can also developed to monitor change of their functioning after receiving services. After the discussions in the qualitative interviews, it is indicated that their perceptions towards work with PWDs were changed. The six steps in capacity building include: dialogue, team building, disability role-play; ICF data collection and analysis; developing individual care plans for PWDs; home and environmental modifications for PWDs; training to promote employment opportunities; and evaluation of the care plan. Conclusions The study highlighted the innovative training methodology for building up the capacity of staff to work as a team and to become agents of change to set up a strategic plan for delivering CBR interventions in their own settings.

Abstract Background In primary care, a shift from a disease‐oriented approach for patients with multimorbidity towards a more person‐centred approach is needed. Aim To transform a self‐report questionnaire for patients with chronic conditions in primary care, the Primary Care Functioning Scale (PCFS), into an understandable, visually attractive and feasible consultation tool for patients and health care providers. The consultation tool consists of a web‐based version of the PCFS, which is filled in by the patient and is processed to a feedback report that summarizes and visualizes the main findings. The feedback report can be discussed with the patient to facilitate a more person‐centred conversation for patients with chronic conditions and multimorbidity in general practice. Design and Setting In this qualitative study, we developed the consultation tool by using design thinking in a participatory developmental process. Methods In the first phase, we constructed five different feedback report templates to summarize and display the results of a completed PCFS questionnaire in a series of two expert meetings with patients and general practitioners (GPs). In the second phase, we performed an exploratory qualitative interview study involving dyads of patients with chronic conditions and their practice nurses. In an iterative process, we explored their experiences with the consultation tool. Results Patients, as well as GPs, preferred a clear manner of presenting the results of the questionnaire in a feedback report. In 18 interviews with patients and practice nurses during three different interview rounds, we adjusted the feedback report and consultation tool based on the input from patients and practice nurses. After the final interview round, patients and practice nurses consented that the consultation tool was useful for having a more in‐depth consultation about functioning and patients' preferences when integrated into the regularly scheduled consultations. Conclusion We were able to develop an understandable and feasible consultation tool that is applicable in already existing chronic disease management programmes in general practice in the Netherlands. Patient or Public Contribution To increase the understandability and feasibility of the consultation tool, we collaborated with end‐users and actively involved patients, GPs and practice nurses in a participatory development process.

Introduction: A paradigm shift in the assessment and rehabilitation of people with schizophrenia is needed, with an integrative perspective rather than a simple focus on the underlying symptomatology. To this end, it is essential to adopt integrated and continuous care focused on the person in his/her context. As a contribution, the Brief International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for schizophrenia has been developed by international experts. The present study aims to develop a scale to classify the degree of disability for each of the categories of the Brief ICF Core Set for schizophrenia. Methods: The classification criteria were first developed by the researchers and then submitted for assessment by national experts in the area of schizophrenia, using the modified e-Delphi method. Results: Two rounds of questions were asked, and a consensus was reached on the development of the Schizophrenia Functioning Core Set, consisting of all categories of the Brief ICF Core Set for schizophrenia and the criteria for classifying the degree of disability. The degree of agreement of the experts was greater than 90% in all categories. Conclusion: The construction of the disability grading criteria was based on the characteristics of schizophrenia as defined in DSM-V, as well as on some functional assessment scales specifically for this disorder. The development of the Schizophrenia Functioning Core Set allows for reducing the subjectivity in the assessment of the functioning of people with schizophrenia, standardizing the application of criteria to assign the degree of disability in each of the categories.

To investigate the effect of physical exercise on body structure & function and activity outcomes in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Six databases were searched from inception until January 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing physical exercise with a control group were included. Fourteen RCTs were included. Three types of physical exercise were identified: aerobic (AE), resistance (RE), and multimodal (ME). Regarding body structure & function outcomes, evidence for RE was very low and with effect for improvement in upper limb muscle strength and very low and without effect for lower limbs. For improvement in postural balance, evidence was very low and with effect with AE and very low and without effect with RE and ME. Evidence for cardiorespiratory function was very low and without effect with AE and RE. Regarding activity outcomes, evidence was low and without effect for mobility with AE and very low and without effect with RE and ME. Physical exercise promoted improvements in body structure & function outcomes in individuals with MCI. Resistance exercise improvement upper limb muscle strength and AE enhanced postural balance. In contrast, physical exercise did not promote a significant benefit in activity outcomes. Results of this systematic review have shown that physical exercise promoted improvements in body structure & function outcomes in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Resistance exercise with elastic bands for approximately 60 minutes twice a week for a total of three months improved upper limb muscle strength. Aerobic exercise with walking for approximately 60 minutes twice per week for a total of six months enhanced postural balance. Considering the potential benefits identified in this systematic review, physical exercise can be recommended for individuals with MCI. We also highlight the importance of the use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for rehabilitation planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Within preventive Child Health Care (CHC), the 360°CHILD-profile has been developed. This digital tool visualises and theoretically orders holistic health data in line with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. It is anticipated that evaluating the effectiveness of the multifunctional 360°CHILD-profile within the preventive CHC-context is complex. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the feasibility of RCT procedures and the applicability of potential outcome measures for assessing the accessibility and transfer of health information. Methods: During the first introduction of the 360°CHILD-profile in CHC practice, a feasibility RCT with an explanatory-sequential mixed methods design was executed. CHC professionals (n=38) recruited parents (n=30) who visited the CHC for their child (age 0–16). Parents were randomised to "care as usual" (n=15) or "care as usual with, in addition, the availability of a personalised 360°CHILD-profile during 6 months" (n=15). Quantitative data on RCT feasibility were collected on recruitment, retention, response, compliance rates and outcome data on accessibility and transfer of health information (n=26). Subsequently, thirteen semi-structured interviews (5 parents, 8 CHC professionals) and a member check focus group (6 CHC professionals) were performed to further explore and gain a deeper understanding of quantitative findings. Results: Integration of qualitative and quantitative data revealed that the recruitment of parents by CHC professionals was problematic and influenced by organisational factors. The used randomisation strategy, interventions and measurements were executable within the setting of this specific study. The outcome measures showed skewed outcome data in both groups and a low applicability to measure accessibility and transfer of health information. The study revealed points to reconsider regarding the randomisation and recruitment strategy and measures in the next steps. Conclusions: This mixed methods feasibility study enabled us to gain a broad insight into the feasibility of executing an RCT within the CHC context. Trained research staff should recruit parents instead of CHC professionals. Measures, potentially for evaluating 360°CHILD-profile's effectiveness, need further exploration and thorough piloting before proceeding with the evaluation process. Overall findings revealed that executing an RCT within the context of evaluating 360°CHILD-profile's effectiveness in the CHC setting will be much more complex, time-consuming and costly than expected. Thereby, the CHC context requires a more complex randomisation strategy than executed during this feasibility study. Alternative designs including mixed methods research must be considered for the next phases of the downstream validation process. Trial registration: NTR6909; https://trialsearch.who.int/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) endorsed by the World Health Organization provides a conceptual framework for describing functioning and disability based on a biopsychosocial model. Although dementia is one of the leading causes of disability, yet little is known on the extent to how the ICF has been utilized in dementia research and practice. The study aimed to examine and map the current applications of the ICF with dementia from a body of earlier studies and to explore the potential use in person-centred dementia care. The Arksey and O'Malley framework was used to guide the searching, selecting, and synthesizing process. The scoping review was reported following The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A total of 34 studies were included. The applications of ICF were classified into 4 themes: (1) in clinical practice and the education of health professionals (n = 20); (2) community support services and income support (n = 3); (3) population-based, census, or survey data (n = 10); (4) advocacy and empowerment purposes (n = 1). The ICF has made a major impact on dementia in clinical settings. Findings strongly support applying the ICF to person-centered dementia care. In the future, more empirical studies are needed to expand the scope of ICF use in dementia research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Employment is an essential component of life as it provides income, sense of engagement and opportunities for personal development. Unemployment due to disability following an accident may have dramatic social and psychological consequences on individuals; it is thus fundamental to foster return to work of these persons. OBJECTIVE: The present work was aimed to develop a methodology determining suitable jobs for people living with disability after a job-related accident. METHODS: The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) taxonomy was combined with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to match individual resources with specific job requirements. ICF Linking Rules were employed by two independent groups of researchers to associate ICF codes to O*NET skill and ability descriptors. RESULTS: O*NET descriptors were linked to 92 unique ICF codes. A "Criticality score" combining ICF and O*NET features to assess suitability of selected jobs for persons with disabilities was also proposed. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed methodology represents a novel instrument to support return to work; the capability to assess specific work-related facets through the lens of both the ICF model and O*NET taxonomy would conceivably provide vocational rehabilitation specialists and occupational therapists with a useful tool fostering job placement of workers with disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To map research conducted with adults with cerebral palsy (CP) to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to understand the array of research available, identify key clinical messages and inform future research. An overview of systematic reviews was conducted. Comprehensive searches (to December 2021) were conducted in PsycINFO, Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane, JBI, and EMBASE. Eligible studies were systematic reviews that included primary studies of adults with CP. Included reviews were assessed for study quality and mapped to the ICF components and chapters. A narrative synthesis of commonly reported outcomes within the component/s and chapter/s was conducted. All 24 included reviews were published since 2010. Thirteen focused on body functions: movement related functions and cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Although nine reviews focused on gait and mobility, considerable overlap of included studies limited the volume of evidence and variability in review quality limited generalisability of findings. Research involving adults with CP is growing; however, this overview of reviews found a predominant focus on mobility and gait. Future research, informed by consumer priorities, is needed to address a broader range of key health and participation outcomes. Fitness, mobility, and gait were the most common research topics found in these systematic reviews suggesting a narrow research focus in adults with CP. There are significant gaps in our knowledge to inform clinical messages for practice about broad long-term outcomes of CP and how best to support their activity performance and participation. There is very limited evidence with which to guide and support rehabilitation professionals working in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate if the International Classification of Functioning and Health (ICF) context factors "age" and "sex" would impact the disablement and respective improvement with rehabilitation defined with the ICF core set for chronic low back pain (cLBP). Furthermore, associations between limitations/restrictions and measures of body function or quality of life were of interest. One thousand five hundred and twelve employed cLBP patients who completed 6 months of outpatient rehabilitation and for whom complete assessments were available before and after rehabilitation. Rehabilitation comprised of progressive resistance training, psychological counseling, and educational sessions. Main outcome measures were the ICF-activity/participation core categories automatically predicted from random forests and utilizing information from the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and Pain Disability Index. Generalized linear-mixed models revealed that upon completion of rehabilitation the presence of a limitation within the ICF activity "walking" significantly decreased with significant between-group differences. The category "doing housework" demonstrated gender-specific differences, and both gender- and age-specific differences were observed for work-related participation categories. There were no meaningful associations between ICF limitation/restriction categories and body function measures (point-biserial/Spearman's correlations). The personal factors "age" and "sex" impact some ICF limitation/restriction categories in cLBP; appropriately addressing these personal features could further improve phase III rehabilitation outcome. Consistent with calls to explore the age and sex/gender influence on health and disease, little is known how these factors affect the disablement of individuals with chronic back pain. The factors "age" and "sex" drive differences in some categories within the ICF activity/restriction categories. If age- and gender-specific features in activities and participation are not appropriately addressed through interventions, rehabilitation outcome may remain suboptimal in cLBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A fall is a ubiquitous event experienced by all but, in older adults, it leads to more adverse events. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework offers a better understanding of the consequences of falls. Studies concerning the impact of falls on older adults living in rural and urban areas based on the ICF framework are sparse. Objectives: We examined the difference in the fall rate, fall characteristics, and the impact of falls based on the ICF framework in rural and urban older adults. Study Design: We did a cross-sectional survey among older adults living in rural and urban areas in a South Indian district from November 2017 to April 2018. Methods: We included 304 community-dwelling rural (n = 210) and urban (n = 94) older adults in the study. Self-designed data form was used to get the details on age, gender, educational level, visual problems, comorbidities, history, frequency, and fall-related injuries. Based on the ICF framework, we used measures such as the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), modified Barthel Index (MBI), Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ), and World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF). Results: Out of 210 rural older adults, 101 (48%) experienced falls, and out of 94 urban older adults, 52 (55%) experienced falls. The fall rate did not differ significantly between the rural and urban older adults (odds ratio: 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57-1.31, P = 0.507). The rural and urban older adult fallers differed significantly in gender (male: 95% CI: 0.06-0.39; female: 95% CI: 0.06-0.39; P = 0.007), education (<10 years: 95% CI: 0.31-0.57; >10 years: 95% CI: 0.75-0.94; P = 0.001), comorbidities (diabetes mellitus: 95% CI: 0.03-0.30; hypertension: 95% CI: 0.04-0.26; no comorbidities: 95% CI: 0.05-0.21; P = 0.001), problem in visual acuity (yes: 95% CI: 0.15-0.39; no: 95% CI: 0.15-0.39; P = 0.001), and frequency of falls (once: 95% CI: 0.01-0.33; recurrent: 95% CI: 0.01-0.33; P = 0.001) and did not differ in age, vocational status, and hospitalization. Except in CIQ scores (95% CI: 2.08-5.91; P = 0.001), they did not differ significantly in the fall-related injuries, BBS, MBI, and WHOQOL-BREF scores. Conclusion: The rural older women and the urban older adults with higher levels of education who had diabetes, hypertension, and visual problems experienced more falls. Although the urban older adults reported a higher frequency of falls, they showed a higher level of community reintegration than the rural older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The present study aimed to assess the concurrent validity of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) core set to classify physical health of older adults in relation to self-rated health. Methods: This is a methodological study conducted in Santa Cruz, Rio Grande do Norte (RN) state, in Northeastern Brazil, with 101 community-dwelling older adults. The participants rated their health status, which was classified into 3 groups: very good, fair, and poor/very poor. An interview was then conducted using self-reported and objective measurements to classify physical health according to the ICF core set. It consists of 30 categories, 14 of which belong to the body function (b) component, 4 to body structures (s), 9 to activities and participation (d), and 3 related to environmental factors (e). To analyze the compromised and problematic categories in the ICF, an impairment index was created for each component. The relationship between self-rated health and the impairment indexes was assessed using the multinomial logistic regression test adjusted for age, sex, schooling, and perception of income sufficiency. Results: A greater likelihood of poor or very poor self-rated health was found in older individuals with the highest impairment index in (b) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18; P <.001); (s) (OR = 1.11; P ≤.001); (d) capacity (OR = 1.09; P =.02); and (d) performance (OR = 1.08; p = 0.01). Conclusion: The results suggest that the ICF core set is a valid instrument to assess the physical health of older adults, since it is associated with self-rated health and shows potential for use in clinical practice and scientific research, with universal language regarding functionality and physical health in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous tests employed to predict cardiac and functional status are expensive and not widely accessible for a considerable number of patients, particularly those diagnosed with Chagas disease (CD) residing in remote and endemic regions. To date, there is no knowledge of studies that have validated instruments that address functionality in an expanded way, including the biopsychosocial factors in patients with CD. This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0), in its 12-item shortened version (WHODAS-12) when applied to patients with CD. This is a cross-sectional study of a prospective cohort that follows individuals with CD (SaMi-Trop). Data collection took place between October 2019 and March 2020. In the interviews, sociodemographic information, life habits, clinical information, and indicators of disability measured by WHODAS-12 were collected. Descriptive analysis, internal consistency and construct validity of the instrument were performed. A total of 628 patients with CD were interviewed, most were women (69.5%), their mean age was of 57 years, and most declared an average self-perception of health (43.4%). The 12 items of WHODAS-12 were distributed into three factors, which together account for 61% of the variance. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) index was 0.90, indicating adequacy of the sample for factor analysis. The internal consistency of the global scale showed alpha = 0.87. The percentage of incapacity was 16.05%, indicating mild incapacity for the evaluated patients. WHODAS-12 is a valid and reliable measure to assess the disability of the Brazilian population with CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: When linking outcomes to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), inter-rater reliability is typically assessed at the conclusion of the linking process. This method does not allow for iterative evaluation and adaptations that would improve inter-rater reliability as novices gain experience. This pilot study aims to quantify the inter-rater reliability of novice linkers when using an innovative, sequential, iterative linking method to link prosthetic outcomes to the ICF. Methods: Across 5 sequential rounds, 2 novices independently linked outcomes to the ICF. A consensus discussion followed each round that informed refinement of the customized ICF linking rules. The inter-rater reliability was calculated for each round using Gwet’s agreement coefficient (AC1). Results: A total of 1,297 outcomes were linked across 5 rounds. At the end of round 1 inter-rater reliability was high (AC1 = 0.74, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.68–0.80). At the end of round 3, interrater reliability (AC1 = 0.84, 95% CI 0.80–0.88) was significantly improved and marked the point of consistency where further improvements in inter-rater reliability were not statistically significant. Conclusion: A sequential iterative linking method provides a learning curve that allows novices to achieve high-levels of agreement through consensus discussion and iterative refinement of the customized ICF linking rules. LAY ABSTRACT Outcomes are commonly used in healthcare and research to evaluate the effect of an intervention or treatment, such as the effect a prosthesis has on the ability to walk in the community or participate in activities. Cataloguing outcomes using well-established classification systems, such as the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, is important, as it allows outcomes and research to be described using an internationally understood and agreed language. This study aimed to describe an innovative approach to cataloguing outcomes to the ICF, using a method that provides novices with a learning opportunity. In using this innovative method novices were able to catalogue outcomes to the ICF framework with a similar degree of reliability as experts. This will reduce the barriers to novices conducting this type of research in the future.

Introduction: In Norway, general practitioners (GPs) are the gatekeepers who provide written assessment of patients' functional ability to provide documentation for the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration for decisions about welfare benefits. This article investigates the description of functioning in sickness certificates according to the bio-psycho-social model described in WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). In particular, the study focuses on medical sick notes for young patients with common mental disorders. Methods: This study utilized directed content analysis, where codes were defined a priori. A simplified bio-psycho-social model with ICF as a framework was used to categorize functional assessment. 393 sick notes were analyzed in Norway between January 2018–January 2020. Results: The results show that more than half (50.4%) of the certificates contain no information about function on any level, and that the diagnosis was the only indication of a patient's function. The biological perspective was the most common description in 39,9% of the certificates, 13,5% had a description of the patient's functioning from an individual perspective. The social perspective was only adopted in 12.0% of certificates. Only 4 certificates (1.0%) described all three perspectives (biological, individual, and social) and mentioned what the individual could do despite the illness (resources). Conclusions: We find that information on functional ability is limited on sickness certificates in Norway. The descriptions given were mainly from the biological perspective and without social context, which is consistent with prior research.

Background: Although the symptomatology has been assessed in multiple studies among persons recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), less is known regarding long-term general health and disability. We aimed to assess long-term self-reported disability in public employees after predominantly mild COVID-19 in comparison with individuals who had negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results. Methods: Public employees within Region Västra Götaland were offered tests to identify SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 56,221) and were invited to complete an online survey that included the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule. Questionnaires were sent out between January 26 and March 5, 2021. A total of 14,222 (25.3%) employees responded, of which 10,194 (18%) were included (women n = 8749, 85.8%). Of these, 7185 (70.5%) participants had a negative PCR test result (controls). A total of 1425 (14%) had a positive PCR result and were categorized in the sub-acute phase (4–12 weeks post COVID-19), and 1584 (15.5%) had a positive PCR test and were categorized in the post COVID-19 phase (> 12 weeks). Results: Fifty-two percent of controls rated disability of varying degrees, versus 73% and 64% of participants in the sub-acute and post COVID-19 phase, respectively. Being "emotionally affected" was the most frequently reported disability in the sub-acute phase, the post COVID-19 phase, as well as in controls. The proportion of participants reporting difficulties for 20–30 days was higher in the sub-acute phase than in the post COVID-19 phase (27.9% vs. 21.8%, p < 0.001) as well as in a comparison between participants in the post COVID-19 phase and controls (21.8% vs 14.2%, p < 0.001). Compared with controls, severe disability was more common in the post COVID-19 phase among both women (15.8% vs. 10.7%,), and men (9.8% vs. 6.8%). Conclusions: Disability was present in all groups; however, reported disability was greater in the sub-acute phase than in the post COVID-19 phase. The higher levels of disability reported in the COVID-19 patient population may indicate a persisting need for rehabilitation and recovery. In general, women reported a greater degree of disability than men in the sub-acute and post COVID-19 phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines the first steps toward developing the ICF-based assessment schedule for manual medicine with a focus on low back pain (LBP). It reports on the results of a consensus process to develop the default and optional versions of the set of ICF categories (ManMed Set) the assessment schedule should cover, and gives insight in expert input toward building a toolbox of instruments for assessing the ManMed Set categories. A scoping review and qualitative study were conducted, each resulting in a list of ICF categories. These categories, along with the categories of the ICF Generic-30 Set, Comprehensive ICF Core Set for LBP, and from an existing Delphi study, served as the starting point for an established consensus process to decide on the ManMed Set. After alternating plenary and working group sessions, an iterative ranking process and cut-off calculation, the multi-professional and international group of 20 experts in manual medicine included 23 categories in the default ManMed version (16 + the ICF Generic-7 Set categories) and 25 in the optional version. Their development is a major step toward developing an assessment schedule that can be employed in standardizing the assessment and reporting of functioning in manual medicine, initially of LBP patients. The ICF assessment schedule for manual medicine has potential use in supporting rehabilitation practice, such as for planning interventions, defining rehabilitation goals, and measuring and documenting functioning outcomes. It can be used to promote interdisciplinary coordination of care and facilitate communication between members of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team within manual medicine and beyond. The ICF assessment schedule for manual medicine can facilitate rehabilitation and manual medicine research by providing evidence for optimizing rehabilitation practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rules have been developed to simplify the understanding of researchers/clinicians and standardize the linking process between concepts contained in the items on assessment measures and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Link the concepts of the SATISPART Stroke (SATIS-Stroke) and Participation Measurement Scale (PM-Scale) to ICF codes. Linking was performed by two evaluators with experience in the ICF taxonomy who applied the ten standard linking rules specifically developed and updated for this purpose. The level of agreement between the evaluators was determined using the Kappa coefficient with 95% confidence intervals. The SATIS-Stroke and PM-Scale address the nine domains of the ICF "Activities and Participation" component. Adequate agreement was found between the researchers during the linking process, mainly between the 1º and 3º evaluators. Identified 41 ICF codes were found among the SATIS-Stroke items and 24 ICF codes were found among the items of the PM-Scale. SATIS-Stroke addresses more issues regarding the domains of Learning and Applying Knowledge, Mobility, Self-Care, Domestic Life, and Major Life Areas, whereas the PM-Scale addresses more issues regarding the General Tasks and Demands, Communication, and Community, Social and Civic Life. Both instruments equally address issues related to Interpersonal Interactions and Relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]