Brief ICF Core Set for Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Validation from the Perspective of Chinese Respiratory Physicians

Obstructive pulmonary diseases(OPDs)are the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide.The International Classification of Functioning,Disability and Health(ICF)provides a framework for systemat-ically assessing functioning and disability in patients with chronic diseases.To date,the ICF core sets for OPDs have not been validated by respiratory physicians in China’s mainland.This study was aimed at validating the brief ICF core set for OPDs from the perspective of Chinese respiratory physicians.A three-round,consensus-building survey was conducted with Chinese respiratory physicians from Shanghai,Jiangsu,and Zhejiang from December 2 to December 16,2017,using the Delphi technique.Their answers were analyzed for consensus degree.In this study,52 experts(about 67.3%men)with a mean working experience of(19.3±6.3)years completed the consensus process.After 3 rounds,the following 13 ICF categories were considered crucial for the assessment of OPDs,with an agreement of over 70%:4 in body functions(b410-heart functions,b440-respiratory functions,b455-exercise tolerance functions,and b460-sensations associated with cardiovascular and respiratory functions),2 in body structures(s410-structure of cardiovascular system,and s430-structure of respiratory system),4 in activities and participation(d230-carrying out daily routine,d450-walking,d455-moving around,and d640-doing housework),and 3 in environmental factors(e110-products or substances for personal consumption,e225-climate,and e260-air quality).Twelve(70.6%)categories in the current brief ICF core set were validated,and one additional category,b410-heart functions,was added.In conclusion,Chinese respiratory physicians largely supported the current brief ICF core set for OPDs.However,the newly added and unconfirmed categories need further investigation.