Validation of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Rheumatoid Arthritis from the Patient Perspective

Tanja Stamm (Vienna, Austria), Michaela Coenen (Munich, Germany)
The Comprehensive ICF Core Set for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an application of the ICF which represents the typical spectrum of problems in functioning of patients with RA. The Comprehensive ICF Core Sets for RA will not only be validated based on the patients' data collected within the scope of the ICF Core Sets Validation Study but also from the perspective of those who experience the disease. The objective of this qualitative study performed in cooperation between the ICF Research Branch at the University of Munich and the Vienna Medical University is to validate the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA from the patient perspective.
Individual interviews with 21 patients with RA were performed in Vienna (Austria) and focus groups with 5 to 6 patients each were performed in Munich (Germany). Transcribed data were analyzed according to the qualitative method of 'meaning condensation' which allows to identify 'meaning units' in the interview texts. Each 'meaning unit' was then linked to the most specific ICF category according to established linking rules. Currently preliminary findings of the both methods (individual interviews and focus groups) are being discussed. Next, the results of the two methods will be compared. The Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA will finally be compared to the ICF categories which emerged from the individual interviews and focus groups.

For further information please contact Tanja Stamm or Michaela Coenen