Abstract
Since application of the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH) in its full form proved to be impractical, the use of selected parts, or of instruments based on the ICIDH, has been suggested. We have assessed the inter- and intra-rater reliability of disability ratings using a screening instrument, based on the D Code of the ICIDH. The level of functional abilities of all new patients (n = 39) seen by a resident at our outpatient clinic in an 11-week period was rated on a four-point scale for each of 28 items in five ability categories. Independent ratings were done by a resident and his supervisor (inter-rater reliability). Repeated rating by the resident was used to assess intra-rater reliability. Calculation of the inter- and intra-rater reliability was based both on the method of the relative agreement and on the measure κ. The results showed relative agreements of ≥82%, and κ values of ≥0.71 were found. This study shows that in a teaching hospital very satisfactory inter-rater and intra-rater reliabilities using a short instrument based on the D Code of the ICIDH can be achieved. It can therefore be recommended as a method for global disability rating.
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Notes on contributors
Jan-Paul van den Berg
It is with great sadness that we have to inform the readership of the Journal that shortly after completing the final editorial work on this Special Issue, Professor Kalman Jacob Mann was seriously injured in a car accident and subsequently died.
Professor Mann was responsible for establishing the two Hadassah Hospitals and Community Health Centres in Jerusalem and for the past 20 years headed the Presidium of Yad Sarah, Israel's largest community based, volunteer operated organization which provides a spectrum of free or nominal cost home care services nation-wide.
We offer our condolences to his family and friends, and trust that this Special Issue stands as a testament to his work in the field.