Knowledge and use of the ICF by neurofunctional physical therapists

Abstract

Introduction. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is a multidirectional model of classification, where the functional conditions of an individual do not depend only on the pathology, but also on the physical and social environment in which they are inserted, acting as barriers or facilitators for the performance of functions and activities of daily livings. It is of utmost importance that physical therapists make use of this classification for the identification of functional changes and prevention of disabilities. Objective. Reporting the knowledge and use in daily clinical practice of ICF by neurofunctional physical therapists. Method. Qualitative descriptive study, conducted in the month of May to June 2021 with neurofunctional physical therapists by COFFITO/ABRAFIN. The participants had at their disposal the questionnaire to be answered freely, through Google Forms. Results. It was observed that 97.4% of the participants know the ICF and 44.4% saw it through courses outside the undergraduate course, 49% make use in their attendances, but 23.2% report non-use due to its extensive size. The alternative that could make them start using it would be through improvement courses (62.9%). Conclusion. Most of the neurofunctional physical therapists in the sample know the ICF and most make use of its biopsychosocial approach in daily clinical practice.