Development of a Short Version of ICF Core Set for Stroke Adapted for Rehabilitation in Korea: a Preliminary Study

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a short version of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) core set and verify functioning levels of patients for stroke rehabilitation in Korea. Using the Delphi technique, a 3-round consensus process was conducted. Thirty multidisciplinary rehabilitation experts from different hospitals completed the consensus study. The questionnaire for this study adopted the comprehensive ICF core set for stroke developed by the Geyh group. A 7-point Likert-type scale was used by participants to weigh the impact of each category on activities of daily living or rehabilitation after a stroke. The consensus of ratings was assessed with Spearman's rho and inter-quartile range indices. A core set to assess functioning levels of patients with stroke was developed from those categories. A short version of ICF core set to assess and verify functioning levels of patients with stroke was developed for 12 categories, including 3 categories (consciousness, muscle power, and attention) from body functions, 1 (structure of brain) from body structures, 5 (eating, walking, moving around, changing basic body position, and carrying out daily routine) from activities and participation, and 3 (individual attitudes of immediate family members, immediate family, and personal care providers/personal assistants) from environmental factors. This preliminary study developed a Delphi consensus process, gathering statistical evidence and expert commands based on the short version of ICF core set for rehabilitation of stroke patients in Korea.