A Survey of Knowledge and use of ICF in Clinical Practice by Physiotherapists in India

This study addressed the issue of use of ICF in the clinical practice by Physiotherapists in India.

As it was a web-based survey, the Physiotherapists from India were approached through social media, Google forms & snow ball sampling. The questionnaire was given. Informed consent was obtained from cover letter through Google forms, all the participants were given questionnaire according to the inclusion criteria and were explained about the items of the questionnaire on demand and the data was analysed.

Of the 2200 surveys emailed to Physiotherapists across India, 384 responses were received till the duration of study (two months), from which the completed surveys were 347, resulting in a 15.7% of response rate. Of those surveyed, 189 (54.4%) reported yes to knowing about the ICF.

the ICF has initiated a global conversation about function and health, moving the health care world beyond a focus on negative aspects of disability. Current literature and study participants suggest that physiotherapists should be part of this conversation. This study adds to the body of ICF knowledge by revealing the physiotherapists need to see the relevance and meaning of the ICF for their individual practices in order to consider integrating the ICF into busy practice environments.