ICF based comparison of disease specific instruments measuring physical functional ability in ankylosing spondylitis. Issue 11 (20th April 2005)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sigl, T; Cieza, A; van der Heijde, D; Stucki, G
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 64:Issue 11(2005)
• Page Start: 1576
• Page End: 1581
• Publication Date: 2005-04-20
• Subjects: ASAS, Assessment in Ankylosing Spondylitis working group -- BASFI, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index -- DFI, Dougados Functional Index -- HAQ-S, Health Assessment Questionnaire modified for the spondylarthropathies -- ICF, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health -- RLDQ, Revised Leeds Disability Questionnaire; ankylosing spondylitis -- functional indices -- international classification of function; Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/ard.2004.027185
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To link validated and widely used instruments measuring physical functional ability in ankylosing spondylitis to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) and to compare their contents, based on the results of the linking process. Methods: The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), the Dougados Functional Index (DFI), the Health Assessment Questionnaire modified for the spondylarthropathies (HAQ-S), and the Revised Leeds Disability Questionnaire (RLDQ) were linked to the ICF separately by two trained health professionals according to 10 linkage rules. Results: All concepts contained in the items of the selected instruments could be successfully linked to the ICF except for "illness" included in the HAQ-S. Altogether 55 different ICF categories were linked. Seven belonged to "body functions", 43 to "activities and participation", and five to "environmental factors". The component "body structure" was not contained in any of the four instruments. Only two ICF categories were common to all selected questionnaires, but there was a high level of concordance on the concepts represented in them. However, especially in terms of "activities and participation", the emphasised aspects differed. Conclusions: The ICF provides an excellent common framework for the comparison of disease specific instruments for ankylosing spondylitis. For a future revision of the ICF, a specification of major limitations in patients with ankylosing spondylitis is suggested.