ASAS/WHO ICF Core Sets for ankylosing spondylitis (AS): how to classify the impact of AS on functioning and health.
OBJECTIVE
To report on the results of a standardised consensus process agreeing on concepts typical and/or relevant when classifying functioning and health in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) based on the International Classification of Functioning and Health (ICF).


METHODS
Experts in AS from different professional and geographical backgrounds attended a consensus conference and were divided into three working groups. Rheumatologists were selected from members of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS). Other health professionals were recommended by ASAS members. The aim was to compose three working groups with five to seven participants to allow everybody's contribution in the discussions. Experts selected ICF categories that were considered typical and/or relevant for AS during a standardised consensus process by integrating evidence from preceding studies in alternating working group and plenary discussions. A Comprehensive ICF Core Set was selected for the comprehensive classification of functioning and a Brief ICF Core Set for application in trials.


RESULTS
The conference was attended by 19 experts from 12 countries. Eighty categories were included in the Comprehensive Core Set, which included 23 Body functions, 19 Body structures, 24 Activities and participation and 14 Environmental factors. Nineteen categories were selected for the Brief Core Set, which included 6 Body functions, 4 Body structures, 7 Activities and participation and 2 Environmental factors.


CONCLUSIONS
The Comprehensive and Brief ICF Core Sets for AS are now available and aim to represent the external reference to define consequences of AS on functioning.
Boonen
A
A
Maastricht University Medical Centre, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, P Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands. a.boonen@mumc.nl
Braun
J
J
van der Horst Bruinsma
I E
IE
Huang
F
F
Maksymowych
W
W
Kostanjsek
N
N
Cieza
A
A
Stucki
G
G
van der Heijde
D
D
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000145:classification; D006801:Humans; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation