Fatores associados ao uso clínico da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde por fisioterapeutas: estudo survey exploratório

Objective: To identify the contextual factors (i.e., personal, and work-related factors) associated with the clinical use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) by physical therapists. Method: A cross-sectional exploratory survey was carried out. The questionnaire Personal and environmental barriers for the implementation of the ICF by physical therapists was mailed to physical therapists living in Espirito Santo, Brazil. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore associations between personal and work-related characteristics with education, attitudes, beliefs, interest, and perception related to work resources for applying the ICF. Results: The response rate for most analyses was 46% (n= 59). Six characteristics explained 35% of the variance associated with interests, attitudes, and beliefs for the use of the ICF (X²= 16.6, p= 0.01). Three characteristics explained 24% of the variance associated with education for the use of ICF (X²= 8.9, p= 0.03). Three characteristics explained 61% of the variance associated with the perception of support and availability of resources for the use of the ICF (X²= 30.5, p<0.01). The most cited barrier was difficulty in applying the ICF for assessments of patients (62%). Conclusions: Physical therapists have positive attitudes towards the use of ICF, but most respondents did not receive satisfactory academic training and reported insufficient self-efficacy for using ICF in clinical practice. The adoption of an organizational infrastructure that endorses the clinical use of the ICF in association with an updated and continued education is required.