Brazilian classification of physical therapy diagnosis.

Background: The Brazilian Classification of Physical Therapy Diagnosis, developed by the Federal Council of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (COFFITO), has the constitutional objectives of standardizing ethical, scientific and social aspects of the Physical Therapy profession.

Objective: To describe the work process, rationale and proposal for standardization of a physical therapy diagnosis classification system in Brazil.

Methods: A working group was created to propose a standardized classification for the description and codification of physical therapy diagnoses. Some terminologies common to the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) were used to make the nomenclature of diagnoses compatible with the outcomes inherent in the field of physical therapy.

Results: The Brazilian Classification of Physical Therapy Diagnosis project culminated in a physical therapy diagnosis model consisting of terms grouped by organic systems and identifying codes. In addition, an application was developed to allow professionals to use the standardized diagnostic classification in an online system.

Conclusion: The diagnostic classification system is expected to advance the Physical Therapy profession allowing the identification of structural and/or functional alterations in a simplified and standardised manner. From a physical therapy perspective, this classification may help to consolidate the autonomy of the Brazilian physical therapists by establishing a clearer pathway between the diagnosis and interventions.