ICF Core Set for geriatric patients in early post-acute rehabilitation facilities

Purpose: The aim of this consensus process was to decide on a first version of the ICF Core Set for geriatric patients in early post-acute rehabilitation facilities. Methods: The ICF Core Set development involved a formal decision-making and consensus process, integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies including focus groups of health professionals, a systematic review of the literature and empiric data collection from patients. Results: Fifteen experts selected a total of 123 second-level categories. The largest number of categories was selected from the ICF component Body Functions (51 categories or 41%). 14 (11%) of the categories were selected from the component Body Structures, 30 (29%) from the component Activities and Participation, and 28 (23%) from the component Environmental Factors. Conclusion: The Post-acute ICF Core Set for geriatric patients is a clinical framework to comprehensively assess patients in early post-acute rehabilitation facilities, particularly in an interdisciplinary setting. This first version of the ICF Core Set will be further tested through empiric studies in German-speaking countries and internationally.