Linking the Spinal Function Sort and Functional Capacity Evaluation Tests to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Set of Vocational Rehabilitation

Purpose The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Comprehensive Core Set for Vocational Rehabilitation (CSVR) is a shortlist of functioning domains developed for use with people of working age that experience limitation in their work-related functional capacity. Functional capacity can be measured by, for example, Spinal Function Sort pictorial questionnaire and Functional Capacity Evaluation tests such as the: Complete Minnesota Dexterity Test, grip strength test, pushing, pulling, progressive iso-inertial lifting and carrying. However, these tests have not yet been linked to the CSVR. The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent to which the Spinal Function Sort and Functional Capacity Evaluation tests could be mapped to the ICF categories of the CSVR. Methods Two raters independently performed the linking of the Spinal Function Sort and the Functional Capacity Evaluation related tests to the CSVR according to established ICF linking rules. If an item could not accurately be linked to a CSVR category, the item was linked to the most fitting ICF category. Disagreements were resolved in a consensus meeting. Interrater agreement between raters was expressed in percentage agreement. Results The Spinal Function Sort and Functional Capacity Evaluation tests described a total of 39 unique ICF categories, out of which only six (15%) came from the CSVR. Interrater agreement ranged between 17 and 91%. Conclusions The study found six categories including vestibular functions, muscle power functions, writing, lifting and carrying objects, fine hand use and hand and arm use within the CSVR using the Spinal Function Sort and The Complete Minnesota Dexterity Test. With the rest of the items, the CSVR was considered too broad.