title: Identification of relevant ICF categories in vocational rehabilitation: a cross sectional study evaluating the clinical perspective.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Vocational rehabilitation (VR) emphasizes a need for medical support, rehabilitation and biopsychosocial approach to enable individuals to successfully participate in the workforce. Optimal rehabilitation management relies on an in-depth knowledge of the typical spectrum of problems encountered of patients in VR. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is based on a universal conceptual model and provides a holistic view of functioning of the lived experience of people such as those undergoing VR. The objectives of this study are to describe the functioning and health of persons undergoing VR and to identify the most common problems around work and in VR using the ICF as the reference framework.
  
  
  METHODS
  An empirical cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted using convenience sampling from March 2009 to March 2010. Data were collected using a Case Record Form rated by health professionals which was based on an extended version of the ICF Checklist containing 292 ICF categories and sociodemographic information.
  
  
  RESULTS
  152 patients with various health conditions participated. We identified categories from all four ICF components: 24 for body functions, six for body structures, 45 for activities and participation, and 25 for environmental factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study identified a multitude of ICF categories that describe functioning domains and which represent the complexity of VR. Such a comprehensive approach in assessing patients in VR may help to understand and customize the process of VR in the clinical setting and to enhance multidisciplinary communication.
authors.affiliation: Swiss Paraplegic Research (SPF), Switzerland.
authors.forename: Monika E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Finger
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Glässel
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Erhart
authors.forename: Felix
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gradinger
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Klipstein
authors.forename: Gilles
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rivier
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schröer
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wenk
authors.forename: Hans Peter
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Gmünder
authors.forename: Gerold
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Stucki
authors.forename: Reuben
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Escorpizo
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000145:classification* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004651:Employment; D004779:Environment Design; D005260:Female; D006296:Health Services; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012944:Social Support; D014944:World Health Organization