Validation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Set for obstructive pulmonary diseases in the perspective of adults with asthma

Abstract

Purpose: To validate the Comprehensive and Brief International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets for obstructive pulmonary diseases from the perspective of adults with asthma.

Methods: This was a qualitative, cross-sectional study. Individual interviews with questions related to the disease and its impact on the patient’s life were performed. The meaning condensation procedure was used for analysis.

Results: Thirty-five participants (26 females, 41 ± 13 years old) were interviewed. A total of 405 concepts were identified, and 348 were associated to the components Body Functions (n = 168), Body Structures (n = 22), Activities and Participation (n = 33), Environmental Factors (n = 125). These concepts were linked to 61 categories: second level (n = 25), third level (n = 33), fourth level (n = 3), which confirmed 41% and 77% of those included in the Comprehensive and Brief Core Sets, respectively. Twenty-four additional categories were identified, and 57 concepts could not be linked to the classification.

Conclusions: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets for obstructive pulmonary diseases were supported by the perspective of adults with asthma. The Brief version seemed the best reference for rehabilitation, reflecting the typical disabilities and impairments of these patients. Unconfirmed and added categories have been reported, and their analysis may assist future document updates.

Implications for rehabilitation

• The use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets for Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases is relevant to guide patient assessment, treatment and monitoring.

• The concepts related to the Body functions and Environmental factors were the most relevant according to the perspective of adults with asthma.

• The Comprehensive and Brief International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets for Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases were supported by adults with asthma.

Keywords:

• ICF
• validation studies
• asthma
• obstructive pulmonary diseases
• chronic disease
• rehabilitation

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Professor Alda Marques for her support to this study.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais, and Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia.