Clinical Validation of the Content of an ICF Core Set for the Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions in Primary Care Physiotherapy Services

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to validate a tailored International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) core set designed for managing musculoskeletal conditions in primary care physiotherapy services. It focuses on understanding whether the ICF elements included are clinically useful from the patient's perspective. The study addresses a gap by evaluating the final stages of musculoskeletal conditions when patients have returned to their community, an area not covered by existing ICF core sets aimed at acute or post-acute phases. Participants are adults with musculoskeletal problems referred by general practitioners to primary care physiotherapy. They will assess the relevance of specific ICF entities related to their condition using a visual analog scale from 0 (no problem) to 100 (complete problem). This observational study is cross-sectional and multicenter, aiming to confirm which ICF entities represent significant issues by identifying those affecting at least 5% of participants. During the study, participants will complete evaluations based on the ICF core set adapted for primary care physiotherapy. Their responses will be used to develop a clinical tool for managing musculoskeletal problems in this setting. The primary outcome is the assessment of the ICF core set between May and December 2024. The study will continue through September 2025, with participants contributing data during their physiotherapy care period.

Clinical Validation of Musculoskeletal ICF Core Set in Primary Care Physiotherapy