IMBA-ICF linking by integrating consensus methods: How group consensus of experts can contribute to in-depth linking of instruments to the ICF

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Hennaert, Stien^{a; b; *} | Decuman, Saskia^{c; d} | Désiron, Huget^{e; f; g} | Braeckman, Lutgart^h | De Baets, Stijnⁱ | Van de Velde, Dominiqueⁱ

Affiliations: [a] Vocational Rehabilitation Service, Flanders (GTB), Belgium | [b] Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium | [c] Department of Internal Health and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium | [d] Disability Benefits Department, National Institute of Health and Disability Insurance, Brussels, Belgium | [e] Faculty Biomedical Sciences – Environment and Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium | [f] Scientific collaborator: PXL University College, Hasselt, Belgium | [g] ACT Désiron, Hasselt, Belgium | [h] Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium | [i] Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Occupational Therapy Program, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

Correspondence: [*] Correspondence to: Stien Hennaert, Vocational Rehabilitation Service, Flanders (GTB), Belgium; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. E-mail: [email protected]; ORCID: 0000-0001-6201-8730.

Abstract: BACKGROUND:A frame of reference is needed to increase the comparability of vocational rehabilitation assessment instruments and the interpretation of their results. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is a relevant framework, and when linking rules are used, items from existing assessment instruments can be linked to the appropriate categories as described in the ICF. OBJECTIVE:To develop an adapted linking methodology in which experts are involved by means of the application of consensus methods and to transfer this result in a step-by-step set of guidelines, supporting researchers and professionals, linking complex instruments to the ICF. METHODS:The main researcher developed the initial linking of the Integration von Menschen mit Behinderungen in die Arbeitswelt (IMBA) to the ICF by rigorously applying the refined ICF linking rules. To validate this linking, the Delphi and nominal group technique was integrated through different steps, and experts were involved in the process. The method section describes the linking process chronologically with focuses on the used approach, the involvement of experts, and the processing of the output. RESULTS:The results are presented in a 7-step set of guidelines describing the chronological process from the initial to the validated linking. These guidelines describe the core elements in the application of the linking rules and consensus methods in a manual for researchers who are interested in linking complex instruments to the ICF by involving experts. CONCLUSIONS:The Delphi and nominal group technique can be successfully integrated in the linking process, making it possible to involve experts in linking complex instruments to the ICF. A homogeneous composition of the expert panel in terms of knowledge, a heterogeneous composition in terms of setting, a rigorous and repeated application of the linking rules, and structured processing of the output are essential to achieve a valid linking.

Keywords: Delphi technique, nominal group technique, linking rules, international classification of functioning, disability and health, return to work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210256

Journal: Work, vol. 75, no. 2, pp. 479-493, 2023