[Testing of ICF core set for low back pain].
BACKGROUND
International Classification of function, disability and health (ICF) is a globally accepted framework and classification system. ICF core sets for chronic health conditions have been developed to promote implementation of ICF in clinical practice. A preliminary core set for low back pain, with 78 categories, has been developed and proposed for international validation.


METHODS
Health professionals used ICF core sets to rate patient problems within the 78 categories. The categories from the components of body functions- and structure, activity, and participation and environmental factors were scored using qualifiers. Time consumption and usefulness of the ICF Core Set were also rated.


RESULTS
The patients (n = 118) had problems in all 78 categories with a frequency from 5 to 95 %.


RESULTS
The patients (n = 118) had problems in all 78 categories with a frequency from 5 to 95 %. B265 TOUCH SENSATION was the only category reported to be missing in the core set. Environmental factors were frequently scored as facilitators, but also as barriers. Discrepancies were discovered between terms in ICF and those most commonly used in the clinical setting. Health professionals' experience of usefulness varied. Mean time consumption for scoring was 48 min (SD 25 min)


CONCLUSIONS
The ICF Core Set for low back pain can be used clinically and seems to broaden the perspective of participation and environmental factors. Knowledge of ICF and training in use of the Core Set is needed before clinical implementation.
Røe
Cecilie
C
Avdeling for fysikalsk medisin og rehabilitering Ullevål universitetssykehus 0407 Oslo. e.c.t.roe@medisin.uio.no
Sveen
Unni
U
Kristoffersen
Ole Jo
OJ
Fossen
Bjarte
B
Hammergren
Nini
N
Iversen
Vibeche Thon
VT
Hannestad
Kristin
K
Bautz-Holter
Erik
E
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018582:Sick Leave