ASAS/WHO ICF Core Sets for ankylosing spondylitis (AS): how to classify the impact of AS on functioning and health

Objective: To report on the results of a standardised consensus
process agreeing on concepts typical and/or relevant when
classifying functioning and health in patients with ankylosing
spondylitis (AS) based on the International Classification of
Functioning and Health (ICF). Methods: Experts in AS from different
professional and geographical backgrounds attended a consensus
conference and were divided into three working groups.
Rheumatologists were selected from members of the Assessment of
SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS). Other health
professionals were recommended by ASAS members. The aim was to
compose three working groups with five to seven participants to
allow everybody's contribution in the discussions. Experts selected
ICF categories that were considered typical and/or relevant for AS
during a standardised consensus process by integrating evidence
from preceding studies in alternating working group and plenary
discussions. A Comprehensive ICF Core Set was selected for the
comprehensive classification of functioning and a Brief ICF Core
Set for application in trials. Results: The conference was attended
by 19 experts from 12 countries. Eighty categories were included in
the Comprehensive Core Set, which included 23 Body functions, 19
Body structures, 24 Activities and participation and 14
Environmental factors. Nineteen categories were selected for the
Brief Core Set, which included 6 Body functions, 4 Body structures,
7 Activities and participation and 2 Environmental factors.
Conclusion: The Comprehensive and Brief ICF Core Sets for AS are
now available and aim to represent the external reference to define
consequences of AS on functioning.