ASAS/WHO ICF Core Sets for ankylosing spondylitis (AS): how to classify the impact of AS on functioning and health

• Published in: Annals of the rheumatic diseases Vol. 69; no. 1; pp. 102 - 107
• Main Authors: Boonen, A, Braun, J, van der Horst Bruinsma, I E, Huang, F, Maksymowych, W, Kostanjsek, N, Cieza, A, Stucki, G, van der Heijde, D
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and European League Against Rheumatism 01.01.2010; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Activities of Daily Living - classification; Arthritis; Classification; Disability Evaluation; Disabled Persons - classification; Humans; Medical personnel; Professionals; Severity of Illness Index; Spondylitis, Ankylosing - physiopathology; Spondylitis, Ankylosing - rehabilitation; Working groups; Asia; Europe
• ISSN: 0003-4967; 1468-2060
• DOI: 10.1136/ard.2008.104117

Objective:To report on the results of a standardised consensus process agreeing on concepts typical and/or relevant when classifying functioning and health in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) based on the International Classification of Functioning and Health (ICF).Methods:Experts in AS from different professional and geographical backgrounds attended a consensus conference and were divided into three working groups. Rheumatologists were selected from members of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS). Other health professionals were recommended by ASAS members. The aim was to compose three working groups with five to seven participants to allow everybody’s contribution in the discussions. Experts selected ICF categories that were considered typical and/or relevant for AS during a standardised consensus process by integrating evidence from preceding studies in alternating working group and plenary discussions. A Comprehensive ICF Core Set was selected for the comprehensive classification of functioning and a Brief ICF Core Set for application in trials.Results:The conference was attended by 19 experts from 12 countries. Eighty categories were included in the Comprehensive Core Set, which included 23 Body functions, 19 Body structures, 24 Activities and participation and 14 Environmental factors. Nineteen categories were selected for the Brief Core Set, which included 6 Body functions, 4 Body structures, 7 Activities and participation and 2 Environmental factors.Conclusion:The Comprehensive and Brief ICF Core Sets for AS are now available and aim to represent the external reference to define consequences of AS on functioning.