The comprehensive ICF core sets for spinal cord injury from the perspective of occupational therapists: a worldwide validation study using the Delphi technique

Abstract

To validate the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) core sets for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the early post-acute and long-term context from the perspective of occupational therapists (OTs). International. OTs experienced in the treatment in SCI were asked about problems, resources and aspects of the environment treated by them, in a three-round electronic mail survey using the Delphi technique. Responses were linked to the ICF by two researchers; kappa coefficient was calculated as statistical measure of agreement. In total, 67 experts from 27 countries named 2586 different concepts. For the early post-acute context, 223 concepts were linked to ICF categories. Three ICF categories from the component body function, three ICF categories from the component body structures and five ICF categories from the component activities and participation were not represented in the ICF core set for the early post-acute context with an expert agreement of more than 75%. For the long-term context, 205 concepts were linked to ICF categories. Two ICF categories from the component body function, four ICF categories from the component body structures and two ICF categories from the component activities and participation were not represented in the ICF core set with an expert agreement of more than 75%. OTs addressed a vast variety of problems that they take care of in their interventions in persons with SCI. The Comprehensive ICF core sets covered a high percentage of these problems. Further research is necessary on a few aspects that are not included in the ICF core sets for SCI.