Mapping of a standard documentation template to the ICF core sets for arthritis and low back pain

Escorpizo, Reuben
Davis, Kandace
Stumbo, Teri

¹Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne and SPF, Nottwil, Switzerland; Swiss Paraplegic Research (SPF), Nottwil, Switzerland; ICF Research Branch, WHO FIC CC Germany (DIMDI) at SPF, Nottwil, Switzerland and at IHRS, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
²College of Health Sciences, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, USA; Sandhills Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab, North Platte, NE, USA
³College of Health Sciences, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, USA
^*Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zach Strasse 4, Nottwil Switzerland 6207. Email: [email protected]

Physiotherapy Research International 15(4):p 222-231, December 2010.

Abstract

Background and Purpose.

To identify the contents of a documentation template in The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Core Sets for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and low back pain (LBP) as reference.

Methods.

Concepts were identified from items of an outpatient documentation template and mapped to the ICF using established linking rules. The ICF categories that were linked were compared with existing arthritis and LBP Core Sets.

Results.

Based on the ICF, the template had the highest number (29%) of linked categories under Activities and participation while Body structures had the least (17%). ICF categories in the arthritis and LBP Core Sets had a 37–55% match with the ICF categories found in the template. We found 164 concepts that were not classified or not defined and 37 as personal factors.

Conclusions.

The arthritis and LBP Core Sets were reflected in the contents of the template. ICF categories in the Core Sets were reflected in the template (demonstrating up to 55% match). Potential integration of ICF in documentation templates could be explored and examined in the future to enhance clinical encounters and multidisciplinary communication. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.