Development of simple descriptions of the ICF Generic-30 Set in different languages: laying the foundation for an ICF-based clinical tool for Europe

Abstract

BACKGROUND 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. AIM To report the results of the development of country/language-specific versions of an ICF-based clinical tool in six European countries. DESIGN Consensus process. SETTING Expert conferences. POPULATION Multi-professional group of rehabilitation professionals in six European countries. METHODS 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. RESULTS Croatian, Flemish/Dutch, Greek, Polish, and Turkish versions were produced. CONCLUSIONS 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. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT 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.