Development of simple descriptions of the ICF Generic-30 Set in different languages: laying the foundation for an ICF-based clinical tool for Europe

BACKGROUND: Functioning is considered a third indicator of health and a key outcome in rehabilitation. A universal practical tool for collecting functioning information is essential. This tool would be ideally based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. AIM: To report the results of the development of country/language-specific versions of an ICF-based clinical tool in six European countries. DESIGN: Consensus process. SETTING: Expert conferences. POPULATION: Multi-professional group of rehabilitation professionals in six European countries. METHODS: 1) Developed an initial proposal by translating the published English-language version of the simple descriptions into the targeted language; 2) conducted a multi-stage consensus conference to finalize the descriptions; 3) employed a three-stage multi-professional expert panel translation back to English. The consensus conference model was modified for geographically large countries. RESULTS: Croatian, Flemish/Dutch, Greek, Polish, and Turkish versions were produced. CONCLUSIONS: The creation of the country/language-specific simple descriptions is a significant part of the "system-wide implementation of the ICF" initiative that will pave the way for the implementation of the ICF in national health systems. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The practical ICF-based clinical tool with country/language specific versions for standardized reporting of functioning will serve as a means of integrating functioning information in national health systems and additionally for monitoring the effects of rehabilitation interventions.