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

Objectives: 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.
Design: Multi-centre cohort study.
Patients: A total of 165 patients (46% female; mean age 67.5 years) from post-acute rehabilitation facilities in 2 Austrian and 7 German hospitals.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusion: 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.