Delphi-based assessment of fall-related risk factors in acute rehabilitation settings according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

OBJECTIVE

To apply the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model to fall prevention by developing an ICF core set for fall risks in acute rehabilitation settings.

DESIGN

Fall risk factors were identified based on a systematic review of the literature and linked to ICF categories. A consensus process was conducted using a Delphi-based evaluation technique.

SETTING

University-based hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Multidisciplinary participants (N=20) from different institutions.

INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A 5-point Likert-type scale was used to weigh the importance of each risk category. The level of agreement for each consensus was assessed based on Spearman rho and semi-interquartile range indices. Categories with a mean score ≥4 in the third round of evaluation were included in this ICF core set.

RESULTS

The core set comprised 34 fall risk categories that were distributed as follows: 18 categories on body functions, 2 on body structures, 8 on activities and participation, 4 on environmental factors, and 2 categories on personal factors.

CONCLUSIONS

An ICF core set for falls in acute rehabilitation settings was developed in this study. Further validation is required.