Validation of the Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health Core Set for multiple sclerosis from the perspective of physicians

The Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for multiple sclerosis (MS) is an application of the ICF to describe the typical spectrum of functioning in people with MS. The objective of this study was to validate the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for MS from the perspective of physicians. Using a three-round Delphi technique, physicians experienced in the MS treatment were requested to name patients' problems, resources, and aspects of environment. The statements of the first Delphi round were linked to ICF categories based on established linking rules. These categories as well as the results of the second round were reported back to the participants. Eighty-four physicians participated in the study. Totally, 89 categories (64.5%) of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for MS were confirmed by the participants. Eight ICF categories, which are currently not included in the ICF Core Set, were identified. The validity of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for MS was largely affirmed by the physicians. However, some additional categories were named, which should be further discussed regarding a revised version of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for MS.