ICF Core Sets for diabetes mellitus.
OBJECTIVE
To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of a Comprehensive ICF Core Set and a Brief ICF Core Set for diabetes mellitus.


METHODS
A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review, and an empirical data collection. After training in the ICF and based on these preliminary studies relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds.


RESULTS
The preliminary studies identified a set of 253 ICF categories at the second, third, and fourth ICF levels with 99 categories on body functions, 40 on body structures, 55 on activities and participation, and 59 on environmental factors. Fifteen experts attended the consensus conference on diabetes mellitus (8 physicians with various sub-specializations; 5 physical therapists, one epidemiologist and one social worker). Altogether 99 categories (85 second-level and 14 third-level categories) were included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set with 36 categories from the component body functions, 16 from body structures, 18 from activities and participation, and 29 from environmental factors. The Brief ICF Core Set included a total of 33 second-level categories with 12 on body functions, 6 on body structures, 5 on activities and participation, and 10 on environmental factors.


CONCLUSIONS
A formal consensus process integrating evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF framework and classification led to the definition of ICF Core Sets for diabetes mellitus. Both the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set were defined.
Ruof
Jörg
J
Division of Rheumatology, Hannover Medical School, Germany.
Cieza
Alarcos
A
Wolff
Birgit
B
Angst
Felix
F
Ergeletzis
Dimitrios
D
Omar
Zaliha
Z
Kostanjsek
Nenad
N
Stucki
Gerold
G
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification; D003245:Consensus Statements as Topic; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D003697:Delphi Technique; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000145:classification*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000145:classification; D006282:Health Personnel; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D014944:World Health Organization