Development of a comprehensive core set from the international classification of functioning, disability and health for return to work among patients with stroke through delphi-based consensus

BACKGROUND: Young patients with stroke are typically the economic support of their families and societies, and their return to work (RTW) is crucial to maintaining their quality of life. However, the identification of RTW-related factors of different aspects is complicated and a systematic analysis of these factors is lacking. AIM: The aim of this study was to develop a core set from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) for return to work (RTW) among patients with stroke. DESIGN: Three-round Delphi-based consensus. SETTING: University-based hospital. POPULATION: Thirty experts in stroke-related domains from different institutions. METHODS: A five-point Likert Scale was used to rate the importance of each item. Consensus of ratings was analyzed using Spearman's rho and semi-interquartile range indices. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health core set for return to work among patients with stroke was based on a high level of consensus and a mean score of ≥4.0 in the third round of the Delphi. RESULTS: The ICF core set comprised 58 categories distributed as follows: 16 body function, 30 activities and participation, 10 environmental factor, and 2 personal factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our ICF core set for RTW among patients with stroke can inform effective rehabilitation strategies and goal setting for RTW among patients with stroke. However, further validation is warranted. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: ICF core set could provide information on rehabilitation strategies setting for RTW of stroke patients.