Validation of the Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for Hand Conditions

Abstract

Introduction. The Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for Hand Conditions has been developed as a tool to describe functioning in individuals with hand conditions. The purpose of this study was to validate the ICF Core Set in a multicentre study in Germany. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional multicentre study involving individuals with various types of hand injuries or disorders from hand trauma units and rehabilitation facilities in Germany. We performed structured patient interviews using the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Hand Conditions to investigate whether all of its categories are necessary to describe patients' functioning. Patients additionally completed the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH).Results. The study sample comprised 260 individuals (65% men) with a mean age of 46 years. Participants had a mean DASH score of 42.7 (22.25 SD) and a median time since injury or diagnosis of 106 days. Most frequent diagnoses were fractures at forearm, wrist and hand level. We identified patients' problems in all ICF categories of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Hand Conditions with a prevalence of at least 10%. Two ICF categories were perceived as missing: 'b4352 -functions of lymphatic vessels' and 'b298 -sensory functions and pain, other specified -neuralgia in upper extremity'. Discussion. The Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Hand Conditions has been validated in this national multicentre study. All of its categories could thereby be confirmed. Further validation is needed, involving different study samples in different countries worldwide.

Linking of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Distal Radius Fracture Clinical Practice Guidelines to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health; International Classification of Diseases; and ICF Core Sets for Hand Conditions

“…22 The core sets were established through evidence-informed multidisciplinary international consensus. Participants of the consensus panel included surgeons.…”

“…Participants of the consensus panel included surgeons. As the hand core set forms a reference standard for the core issues in hand conditions, 22 a gap between a CPG and these concepts reflects a lack of attention to important domains of hand function. Future guidelines that focus on rehabilitation are needed and should consider using the ICF hand core sets when developing search strategies and recommendations.…”

“…22,43,45 Functioning and disability concepts have been subdivided into body structure (s), body function (b), and activity and participation (d). The contextual factor consists of environmental factor (e) and personal factors (pf).…”

Do existing patient-report activity outcome measures accurately reflect day-to-day arm use following adult traumatic brachial plexus injury?

“…Data from patients and clinicians were analysed separately. the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Hand Conditions (CCS-HC) underpinned analyses (24). It was designed to describe functioning and disability of patients with hand conditions and provides a standard of aspects that should be considered for assessment and reporting in individuals with hand and other upper limb conditions.…”

Letter on “Validation of the Brief International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Core Set for Hand Conditions”

“…1 This is one of 3 papers describing the development and validation of a Hand Core Set. [1][2][3] We commend the authors on the large body of work undertaken to develop and validate both a Comprehensive and Brief Hand Core Set that will provide a framework around which clinicians may base their assessment and treatment.…”