Evidence-based position paper on Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine professional practice for persons with acute and chronic pain. The European PRM position (UEMS PRM Section).

Background: Pain is a frequent complaint from patients undergoing rehabilitation. It can be a major problem and can lead to several activity limitations and participation restrictions. For this reason, when the Professional Practice Committee (PPC) of the Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) Section of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) decided to prepare evidence-based practice position papers (EBPPs) on the most relevant fields of PRM, a paper on the role of the PRM specialist on pain conditions was also included.

ICF Core Set for patients with musculoskeletal conditions in early post-acute rehabilitation facilities.

Purpose: The aim of this consensus process was to decide on a first version of the ICF Core Set for patients with musculoskeletal conditions in early post-acute rehabilitation facilities.

Methods: The ICF Core Set development involved a formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies including focus groups of health professionals, a systematic review of the literature and empiric data collection from patients.

Results: Fifteen experts selected a total of 70 second-level categories.

ICF Core Set for patients with musculoskeletal conditions in the acute hospital.

Purpose: The aim of this consensus process was to decide on a first version of the ICF Core Set for patients with musculoskeletal conditions in the acute hospital.

Methods: The ICF Core Set development involved a formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies including focus groups of health professionals, a systematic review of the literature and empiric data collection from patients.

Results: Twenty-one experts selected a total of 47 second-level ICF categories.

ICF Core Sets for osteoporosis.

Objective: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of a Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set and a Brief ICF Core Set for osteoporosis.

Methods: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review, and an empirical data collection.

Identifying the concepts contained in outcome measures of clinical trials on breast cancer using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as a reference.

Objectives: To systematically identify and quantify the concepts contained in outcome measures of clinical breast cancer trials using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a reference.

Methods: Randomized controlled trials between 1991 and 2000 were located in MEDLINE and selected according predefined criteria. The outcome measures were extracted and the concepts contained in the outcome measures were linked to the ICF.