title: Validation of the comprehensive ICF core set for multiple sclerosis from the perspective of physical therapists.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and represents the typical spectrum of problems in the functioning of people with MS.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to validate the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for MS from the perspective of physical therapists.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 3-round survey based on the Delphi technique was used.
  
  
  METHODS
  Physical therapists experienced in the management of MS were asked about problems and resources of people with MS as well as environmental aspects treated by physical therapists (eg, use of assistive devices, support). Statements were linked to the ICF and compared with the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for MS.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighty physical therapists from 23 countries mentioned 2,133 issues that covered all of the ICF components. Two hundred thirty-eight ICF categories were linked to the statements. Forty-six categories in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for MS were confirmed by physical therapists at the same level or a more specific level of classification. Nineteen additional ICF categories were reported by at least 75% of the participants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study support the content and face validity of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for MS. Areas of functioning and health that physical therapists believe should be assessed were identified. The findings of this study as well as the results of completed and ongoing validation studies will further elucidate the validity of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for MS from different perspectives.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Chair for Public Health and Health Services Research, Research Unit for Biopsychosocial Health, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Conrad
authors.forename: Michaela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Coenen
authors.forename: Henriette
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schmalz
authors.forename: Jürg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kesselring
authors.forename: Alarcos
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cieza
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003697:Delphi Technique; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D059825:Physical Therapists; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult