Content validation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for stroke: the perspective of occupational therapists.

Background: The "ICF Core Set for stroke" is an application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and represents the typical spectrum of problems in the functioning of patients with stroke.

Objective: The objective of this study was to validate this ICF Core Set from the perspective of occupational therapists.

Methods: In a three-round electronic mail survey using the Delphi technique, occupational therapists experienced in stroke treatment were asked about patients'problems, patients' resources, and aspects of environment they take care of. Two health professionals linked responses to the ICF.

Results: Sixty-nine occupational therapists in 21 countries named 1,747 concepts that occupational therapists treat in patients with stroke. These concepts were linked to 347 different ICF categories. Twenty-three concepts were linked to the ICF component Personal Factors.

Conclusions: The content validity of the "ICF Core Set for stroke" was largely supported by occupational therapists.