Development of an ICF-based core set of activities and participation for patients with mental disorders: an approach based upon data

OBJECTIVE: To use data and patient involvement to identify categories within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) component activities and participation relevant for patients with affective, somatoform, anxiety and adjustment disorders.

DESIGN: The first step was to identify systematically, outcome instruments used in randomized controlled trials, to relate item content to the ICF. Then four patient focus group discussions (n = 21 participants) were conducted, and finally an expert panel (n = 11 participants) was used to identify the most relevant categories in therapy settings.

PARTICIPANTS: Focus groups: inpatient psychotherapy patients. Expert panel: clinicians, stakeholders, patient representative.

RESULTS: In the literature search, 313 measures were identified, which included 1562 meaningful concepts (separate content units). These were allocated to ICF categories that were validated and complemented in focus groups and by an expert panel. The resulting core set includes 27 categories related to the nine chapters of the ICF component activities and participation.

CONCLUSIONS: A core set of items, set within the World Health Organization ICF and relevant to the treatment of people with affective, somatoform, anxiety and adjustment disorders, has been developed based on existing evidence.