Conhecimento e aplicação da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde por fisioterapeutas de Fortaleza

Abstract

Introduction : In 2001, the World Health Organization published the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The ICF aims to standardize and unify the health language and its related states, allowing communication and care between vario us disciplines and sciences. Objective : To assess the knowledge and application of the ICF by physiotherapists in Fortaleza. Methodology : A descriptive study and quantitative run between August 2012 and April 2013 in Fortaleza. The information was collecte d through questionnaires sent by e - mail via CREFITO - 6. Results : Of the 3087 physiotherapists working in Fortaleza, only 28 responded to the questionnaire, for the study sample. Of these, 26 know the CIF and only 4 apply this classification in clinical prac tice. Among the professionals who use the CIF, 2 work in the private network and 2 in the SUS. It was found that professionals graduated more than 15 years are the ones that know and apply the CIF. Among the difficulties in applying the ICF, the lack of kn owledge was the most frequent in the sample. As for the importance of ICF for physical therapy, 46% of professionals stated that this classification is of high importance and none has judged irrelevant. Conclusion : It is concluded in relation to the knowle dge and application of the ICF, the active physiotherapists in Fortaleza, know this classification, but its applicability is still being reduced.