Goals of physiotherapy interventions can be described using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

Objective

To provide an example of how goals of physiotherapy interventions and their typical patterns can be described using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Acute hospital.

Participants

One hundred patients with neurological, musculoskeletal or cardiopulmonary conditions requiring physiotherapy interventions in University Hospital Zurich between January 2003 and October 2003.

Main outcome measures

The case record form consisted of two parts: a standardised questionnaire for functioning and health of the patient; and a standardised record form for physiotherapy interventions. Both parts were based on the ICF.

Results

The mean age of the subjects was 58.2 years (standard deviation 15.9), the median age was 60.5 years and 44% were female. The most frequent intervention goals in patients with neurological conditions were: muscle power functions; muscle tone functions; control of voluntary movement functions; changing basic body position; maintaining a body position; and transferring oneself. The most frequent intervention goals for cardiopulmonary patients were: functions of the cardiovascular system; and respiration functions. The most frequent intervention goals in patients with musculoskeletal conditions were: sensation of pain; stability of joint functions; muscle power functions; muscle tone functions; and muscle endurance functions.

Conclusion

By using the ICF as a framework and linguistic support, intervention goals can serve as standardised documentation for physiotherapy interventions, their evaluation and planning.