ICF Core Set For Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Articles

Funcionality assessed by the core set of the international classification of functionality and health for rheumatoid arthritis: A cohort study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the function of a cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from the core set of the International Classification of Functioning and Health (ICF) for RA over 12 months. We used prospective longitudinal data to conduct a cohort study among a well-characterized group of RA patients. Ninety RA patients aged between 40 and 70 years were included in the study. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after 12 months. Age, disease duration, current smoking, erosions, disease activity, functional test, disability and physical activity were evaluated. Then, the ICF core set classification for RA was applied. 81 patients completed the assessments, the majority of patients were female (88.9%) and the mean age was 56.5 ± 7.3 years. At baseline, the median disease activity was 3.0. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.02) improvement in "Exercise tolerance functions" over 12 months and also a statistically significant (p < 0.001) decrease in "Muscle strength functions" over 12 months. The activity and participation domain showed a weak correlation with the clinical data of the DAS28-PCR (p<0.02). We conclude that relevant aspects of the ICF Core Set for RA were able to adequately express the physical and functional factors of the RA cohort. This tool provides a common language for the interdisciplinary team, which can enhance the use of timely interventions to prevent physical disability in clinical practice.

Linguistic validation, validity and reliability of the British English versions of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and QuickDASH in people with rheumatoid arthritis

BackgroundAlthough the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire is widely used in the UK, no British English version is available. The aim of this study was to linguistically validate the DASH into British English and then test the reliability and validity of the British English DASH, (including the Work and Sport/Music DASH) and QuickDASH, in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsThe DASH was forward translated, reviewed by an expert panel and cognitive debriefing interviews undertaken with 31 people with RA. Content validity was evaluated using the ICF Core Set for RA. Participants with RA (n = 340) then completed the DASH, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Short Form Health Survey v2 (SF36v2) and Measure of Activity Performance of the Hand (MAPHAND). We examined internal consistency and concurrent validity for the DASH, Work and Sport/Music DASH modules and QuickDASH. Participants repeated the DASH to assess test-retest reliability.ResultsMinor wording changes were made as required. The DASH addresses a quarter of Body Function and half of Activities and Participation codes in the ICF RA Core Set. Internal consistency for DASH scales were consistent with individual use (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.94–0.98). Concurrent validity was strong with the HAQ (rs = 0.69–0.91), SF36v2 Physical Function (rs = − 0.71 - − 0.85), Bodily Pain (rs = − 0.71 - − 0.74) scales and MAPHAND (rs = 0.71–0.93). Test-retest reliability was good (rs = 0.74–0.95).ConclusionsBritish English versions of the DASH, QuickDASH and Work and Sport/Music modules are now available to evaluate upper limb disabilities in the UK. The DASH, QuickDASH, Work and Sport/Music modules are reliable and valid to use in clinical practice and research with British people with RA.

Does the Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for rheumatoid arthritis capture nursing practice? A Delphi survey

Background The “Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)” is an application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and represents the typical spectrum of problems in functioning of patients with RA. Objectives The objective of this study was to validate this ICF Core Set from the perspective of nurses. Method Nurses experienced in RA treatment were asked about the patients’ problems, patients’ resources and aspects of environment that nurses take care of in a three-round survey using the Delphi technique. Responses were linked to the ICF. Results 57 nurses in 15 countries named 1170 concepts that covered all ICF components. 20 concepts were linked to the as yet undeveloped ICF component Personal Factors. 19 ICF categories are not represented in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA. Conclusion The validity of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA was largely supported by the nurses. However, a number of body functions which address side effects of drug therapies were not included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA. Furthermore, several issues arose which were not precisely covered by the ICF like “dry mucous”, “risk for decubitus ulcers” and “height” and need to be investigated further.

Validation of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for rheumatoid arthritis: The perspective of psychologists

The ‘Comprehensive ICF Core Set for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)’ is an application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and represents the typical spectrum of problems in functioning of patients with RA. The objective of this study was to validate this ICF Core Set from the perspective of psychologists. Psychologists experienced in RA treatment were asked about the problems of RA patients, treated by psychologists, in a three-round survey using the Delphi technique. Responses were linked to the ICF. Twenty psychologists in five countries gave a total of 303 responses that were linked to 65 different ICF categories. Fifteen responses were linked to the not yet developed ICF component personal factors and nine were not covered by ICF. Overall, 66% of the ICF categories linked to the responses of the psychologists were represented by the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA. Several responses that were not covered need to be investigated further.

Responsiveness of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for rheumatoid arthritis

Background:The comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a selection of 96 categories from the ICF, representing relevant aspects in the...

Does the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Rheumatoid Arthritis Capture Occupational Therapy Practice? A Content-Validity Study

Background. The ICF Core Sets for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) constitute an application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Purpose. To explore whether the ICF Core Sets for RA include the areas of functioning and environmental factors that are typically treated by occupational therapists in their clinical everyday practice with clients with RA. Methods. In a three-round survey occupational therapists were asked about their intervention goals when treating clients with RA. The identified goals were grouped into goal classes that were then linked to the ICF. Results. 41 occupational therapists in nine countries named 533 intervention goals that were grouped into 48 goal classes and then linked to ICF categories of all ICF components. The goal classes self-confidence, relaxation and psycho-social well-being are not represented in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA. Conclusion. The validity of the ICF Core Set for RA from the perspective of occupational therapists was largely confirmed.

Does the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Rheumatoid Arthritis Capture Occupational Therapy Practice? A Content-Validity Study

The ICF Core Sets for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) constitute an application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). To explore whether the ICF Core Sets for RA include the areas of functioning and environmental factors that are typically treated by occupational therapists in their clinical everyday practice with clients with RA. In a three-round survey occupational therapists were asked about their intervention goals when treating clients with RA. The identified goals were grouped into goal classes that were then linked to the ICF. 41 occupational therapists in nine countries named 533 intervention goals that were grouped into 48 goal classes and then linked to ICF categories of all ICF components. The goal classes self-confidence, relaxation and psycho-social well-being are not represented in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA. The validity of the ICF Core Set for RA from the perspective of occupational therapists was largely confirmed.

Validation of the Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Set for Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Perspective of Physical Therapists

The Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) represents the typical spectrum of problems in the functioning of patients with RA. The objective of this study was to validate this ICF Core Set from the perspective of physical therapists. Physical therapists were asked about their intervention goals in a 3-round Delphi survey. Intervention goals were compiled, and the physical therapists were asked whether they considered the goal classes to be relevant. The goal classes then were linked to the ICF. A total of 82 physical therapists in 12 countries named 562 intervention goals. A total of 45 goal classes covering all ICF components were identified. The goal classes addressing muscle tone, balance and coordination, and psychological distress were not represented in the ICF Core Set for RA. The validity of the ICF Core Set for RA was largely supported. However, some categories currently not covered by the ICF Core Set for RA will need to be investigated further.

Validation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for rheumatoid arthritis from the patient perspective using focus groups

Functioning is recognized as an important study outcome in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA is an application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) of the World Health Organisation with the purpose of representing the typical spectrum of functioning of patients with RA. To strengthen the patient perspective, persons with RA were explicitly involved in the validation of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA using qualitative methodology. The objective of the study was twofold: to come forward with a proposal for the most appropriate methodology to validate Comprehensive ICF Core Sets from the patient perspective; and to add evidence to the validation of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA from the perspective of patients. The specific aims were to explore the aspects of functioning and health important to patients with RA using two different focus group approaches (open approach and ICF-based approach) and to examine to what extent these aspects are represented by the current version of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA. The sampling of patients followed the maximum variation strategy. Sample size was determined by saturation. The focus groups were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. The meaning condensation procedure was used for the data analysis. After qualitative data analysis, the resulting concepts were linked to ICF categories according to established linking rules. Forty-nine patients participated in ten focus groups (five in each approach). Of the 76 ICF categories contained in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA, 65 were reported by the patients based on the open approach and 71 based on the ICF-based approach. Sixty-six additional categories (open approach, 41; ICF-based approach, 57) that are not covered in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA were raised. The existing version of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA could be confirmed almost entirely by the two different focus group approaches applied. Focus groups are a highly useful qualitative method to validate the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA from the patient perspective. The ICF-based approach seems to be the most appropriate technique.

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Sets for rheumatoid arthritis: a way to specify functioning

Today, patients’ functioning is a central issue in medicine. Concepts, classifications, and measurements of functioning and health, such as the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) are of...