The use of the ICF Core Sets for the appraisal of patients suffering low back pain and chronic widespread pain

In collaboration among the ICF Research Branch and the German Pension Insurance (Federation) of different federal states an 18 month project was started early this year. The aim of the study is to verify if the ICF Core Sets can provide a basis for the appraisal of patients suffering low back pain and chronic widespread pain. The appraisal of patients based on the bio-psycho-social model of the ICF will allow a systematic assessment of functioning and disability and will lead to the standardization of the medical opinion files, facilitating the communication between physicians and insurance companies.

The contents of 600 randomly selected medical opinion files will be analyzed. The identified concepts will be translated into the language of the ICF. This so-called "Linking" will be performed by social evaluators and by members of the ICF Research Branch. The results of the study will verify whether all relevant information within the medical opinion files is contained in the ICF Core Sets for low back pain and chronic widespread pain. For further information, please contact: Michaela.Kirschneck@med.uni-muenchen.de

For more information contact:Michaela Kirschneck