ICF Core Sets for depression.

Objective: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of a Comprehensive ICF Core Set and a Brief ICF Core Set for depression.

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. After receiving training in the ICF and based on these preliminary studies, relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds.

Results: The preliminary studies identified a set of 323 ICF categories at the second, third and fourth ICF levels with 163 categories on body functions, 22 on body structures, 91 on activities and participation and 47 on environmental factors. Twenty experts attended the consensus conference on depression. Altogether 121 categories (89 second-level and 32 third-level categories) were included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set with 45 categories from the component body functions, 48 from activities and participation and 28 from environmental factors. The Brief ICF Core Set included a total of 31 categories with 9 on body functions, 12 on activities and participation and 10 on environmental factors.

Conclusion: A formal consensus process integrating evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF framework and classification led to the definition of ICF Core Sets for depression. Both the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set were defined.