The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in neurorehabilitation in Austria. Comparison of the healthprofessions occupational therapy, speech-and language therapy and physiotherapy / Die Internationale Klassifikation der Funktionsfähigkeit, Behinderung und Gesundhe

Abstract Introduction The International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) provides the language and a framework applying a unified and standardized form to describe health and conditions related to health. Teams who work in an interdisciplinary and multi professional way, as it is the case in neuro rehabilitation, can profit from integrating the ICF. The aim of this paper was to show how well implemented the ICF is in Austria with occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and physiotherapists working in neuro rehabilitation. Methods The present paper is a follow-up project of the APPEAR study. An extended questionnaire, which has been sent to 109 therapists working in Austrian neurologic rehabilitation facilities forms the basis for the results presented here. Results 64 questionnaires were returned from occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and physio therapists and were used for evaluation. 50% of the therapists who answered the questionnaire (n=25) stated that the ICF has already been implemented in their institution. Therapists often applied ICF (n=35) when using common documentation systems. Additionally, therapists consider the ICF an aid to support interdisciplinary and multi professional work. The therapists also stated (n=27) that they are not satisfied with the ICF when inpatients become outpatients. Conclusions Many therapists answering the questionnaire consider the ICF an important tool for optimizing the rehabilitation process. Barriers contributing to hindering an implementation of the ICF should be eliminated in the future. In order to achieve that aim, institutions should provide time and financial resources to further the education of their employees.