Premium
Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health in Physiotherapy in Multidisciplinary Vocational Rehabilitation: A Case Study of Low Back Pain
Author(s) -
Finger Monika E.,
Selb Melissa,
De Bie Robert,
Escorpizo Reuben
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
physiotherapy research international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.509
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1471-2865
pISSN - 1358-2267
DOI - 10.1002/pri.1587
Subject(s) - international classification of functioning, disability and health , rehabilitation , multidisciplinary approach , teamwork , documentation , intervention (counseling) , goal setting , physical therapy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , low back pain , medicine , psychology , medical education , nursing , computer science , alternative medicine , pathology , sociology , political science , social psychology , social science , law , programming language
Objectives Multidisciplinary teamwork is increasingly recognized as a critical factor of success in vocational rehabilitation. Although its clinical implementation is still challenging, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) has shown to be a useful framework to facilitate communication between stakeholders, to help structure rehabilitation plans and for setting goals and clarifying team roles. With this in mind, the objective of this teaching case study is to illustrate an application of ICF‐based tools in a multidisciplinary return to work (RTW) program for patients with non‐specific low back pain (NLBP) from the perspective of the physiotherapist. Participant The participant is a 42‐year‐old kindergarten teacher, who was on sick leave for 10 weeks due to NLBP. Methods This case study describes the use of ICF‐based tools such as the Rehabilitation Management Sheet (RehabManagement‐Sheet) to guide the rehabilitation process and facilitate team‐based and physiotherapist goal setting and documentation in a multidisciplinary RTW program for NLBP. Results Utilizing ICF tools, we defined long‐term and short‐term goals, documented improvements in the patient's impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions and formulated action steps. Conclusion The use of ICF‐based tools in multidisciplinary rehabilitation allows for a comprehensive assessment, common goal setting and coordinated intervention planning. ICF‐based tools like the RehabManagement‐Sheet support the physiotherapist's role within the rehabilitation team by enhancing transparency in goal setting and intervention planning across disciplines. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.