Knowledge and Use of International Classification of Function, Disability and Health Among Rehabilitation Specialists of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The lack of integrated registration of information causes additional burden, inefficiency in health and treatment systems, and finally increases cost and decreases effectiveness. Correct coding requires knowledge and use of the latest editions of the International classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF). This study aimed to investigate the level of knowledge and use of ICF among professors and rehabilitation and optometry specialists at Mashhad university of medical sciences.Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to March 2023. First, the pre-designed questionnaire consists of ten multiple-choice questions that were distributed among professors and rehabilitation and optometry specialists at Mashhad university of medical sciences. Second, the data were analyzed. For this purpose, descriptive data was calculated. SPSS version 21 statistical software was used to analyze the data.Results: The majority of the participants 16 (59.3%) stated that they knew ICF. However, only 13 (48.1%) of them identified the name or abbreviation of ICF correctly, and only 3 of them (11.1%) recognized the ICF components correctly. Fifteen of the participants (55.6%) stated that they did not use the ICF, followed by 3 (11.1%) who stated that they used the ICF in the clinic and 3 (11.1%) in training. The relationship between participants' graduation degree and their familiarity with ICF was significant (p=0.02).Conclusion: The results of this study show that most of the participants did not have enough information about the ICF and its components. A lack of knowledge about the ICF prevents professionals from following the recommendations of the world health organization. As the medical industry is driven to use evidence in patient care, universities, and educational centers must also provide the necessary grounds and infrastructure for teaching and using international classification tools such as ICF, which will be used by healthcare professionals in the future.