Projecting and programming rehabilitation based on ICF-CY format in a neuropediatric hospital unit

Objective. To follow-up the impact of a format based upon the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health, version for children and youth (ICF-CY) as a roadmap for in-hospital pediatric neuro-rehabilitation. Design. Longitudinal study in a single Centre testing with impact assessment. Subjects/patients. The team members of a tertiary care pediatric neuro-rehabilitation unit approaching 88 consecutive patients with various physical and/or neurological conditions. Methods. A revised version of the protocol ICF-CY based format for rehabilitation projecting and programming was applied for 24 months. Impact on the rehabilitation team was assessed with an ad hoc questionnaire. Results. Fifteen questionnaires were returned, all of them reporting strongly positive judgements. Time constraint was no longer considered the main problem, probably because of a learning effect. Ongoing utilization reduced the time needed and the problems perceived in completing the task. Conclusion. This application confirmed that ICF contribute to improve the quality of interdisciplinary work and to share the rehabilitation process between team members and family. Indeed ICF-CY works efficiently as a roadmap for in-hospital pediatric neuro-rehabilitation. Its implementation results in perceived improvements in the process, ongoing utilization reduces the time needed and the problems encountered in completing the task.