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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Accidental falls; ICF; International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; Rehabilitation; SIQR; semi-interquartile range.