title: Assessment of functional outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets from the perspective of the multi-professional team: results of 4 Delphi surveys.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Set for Head and Neck Cancer (ICF-HNC) covers the typical spectrum of problems in functioning in head and neck cancer. This study is part of a multistep process to develop practical guidelines in Germany. The purpose of this study was to identify instruments for the assessment of functioning using the ICF-HNC as reference.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four Delphi surveys with physicians, physiotherapists, psychologists, and social workers were performed to identify which aspects of the ICF-HNC are being treated and which assessment tools are recommended for the assessment of functioning.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ninety-seven percent categories of the ICF-HNC were treated by healthcare professionals participating in the current study. Altogether, 33 assessment tools were recommended for therapy monitoring, food intake, pain, further organic problems/laboratory tests, and psychosocial areas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the ICF-HNC is being currently implemented by the head and neck cancer experts, several areas are not covered regularly. Additionally, validated tools were rarely recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology - IBE, Chair for Public Health and Health Care Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Michaela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kirschneck
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sabariego
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Singer
authors.forename: Uta
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Tschiesner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003697:Delphi Technique; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D064702:International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D063868:Patient Outcome Assessment
keywords: Delphi study; head and neck cancer; outcome measure; outcomes research; recovery of function