Validation and application of the International Classification of Functioning core set for spinal cord injury in the Turkish patients

Turk J Phys Med Rehab, 2019 · DOI: 10.5606/tftrd.2019.3045 · Published: January 30, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to use the ICF Core Set for spinal cord injury (SCI) in Turkish patients during their early recovery after the injury. The researchers also wanted to see if the ICF Core Set accurately reflected the patients' conditions. The study involved interviewing 120 SCI patients and reviewing their medical records to gather information based on the ICF categories. Then, they looked at how these categories related to other common ways of measuring a patient's condition. The results showed that many ICF categories related to body functions, structures, and activities were reported as problems for these patients. The ICF Core Set also matched well with some of the other measurement methods, suggesting it is a valid tool.

Study Duration

January 2014 and July 2016

Participants

120 patients with traumatic SCI at the early post-acute state

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
55 of the 63 ICF categories of the Component Body Functions (CBF) and each and every category for the Component Body Structures (CBS) as well as the Component Activities and Participation (CAP) were reported as a problem among the Turkish patients with SCI.
2
24 ICF categories for the Component Environmental Factors (CEF) were determined as a facilitator while 6 ICF categories were identified as a barrier.
3
The ICF–Core Set for SCI illustrated a high construct validity with some of the generic and disease-specific measures.

Research Summary

The study applied the Comprehensive ICF-Core Set for SCI-early post-acute-situation in Turkish SCI patients to evaluate common problems and investigate construct validity. The study found that Turkish SCI patients reported significant problems in most categories of body functions, all categories of body structures and activities and participation. Several environmental factors were identified as facilitators and barriers. The Comprehensive Core Set for SCI-early post-acute situation showed high construct validity with other measures like FIM, neurologic level of injury, completeness of the lesion, AIS, and type of SCI.

Practical Implications

Comprehensive Assessment

The ICF-Core Set allows for a comprehensive and multi-perspective assessment of disability, health, and functioning prior to rehabilitation.

Identification of Common Problems

The study identifies common problems, complications, and special needs in a Turkish SCI population, providing guidance for rehabilitation professionals.

Policy Development

The findings can inform the development of sound health policies related to SCI rehabilitation in Turkey.

Study Limitations

1
Data collected from a single rehabilitation hospital in Ankara may not fully represent all Turkish SCI patients.
2
There are some delays between acute medical management and admission to a rehabilitation hospital due to limited resources.
3
ICF qualifiers only indicated the presence or absence of a problem, not the severity level.

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