Development of ICF core sets for head and neck cancer

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Based on the International Classification of Functioning (ICF)-Disability and Health, participants from different professional and cultural backgrounds were invited to achieve consensus on a first version of ICF Core Set for head and neck cancer (HNC). It was designed to set standards for the assessment of functioning in HNC. METHODS: The ICF was adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2001 and was used as the frame of reference. Preselection of potential ICF categories was based on 4 different preparatory studies: patient interviews, health professional surveys, literature review, and multicenter study applying ICF-nomenclature. After training on the ICF, the results of preparatory studies were presented to 21 invited participants to vote in a formal consensus process on both the Brief and Comprehensive ICF Core Set for HNC. Participants came from all 6 WHO world regions, covering 12 different countries. Professional backgrounds included otorhinolaryngologists, maxillofacial surgeons, medical/radiation oncologists, psychologists, physiotherapists, nurses, and social workers. RESULTS: The Comprehensive ICF Core Set for HNC included 112 categories (8% of entire ICF) and the Brief ICF Core Set for HNC included 19 categories (1% of ICF). CONCLUSION: A first version of ICF Core Sets for HNC was defined. Further validation is in process.