The objective of the present study was the analysis of the comprehensive rehabilitation programs for the patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They were based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) core set. The authors have undertaken the evaluation of the effectiveness of rehabilitation for two groups of patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had received the treatment based at different medical facilities (clinical hospitals, spa and health resorts). It was demonstrated that the use of the ICF core set for rheumatoid arthritis proved helpful for the development of a comprehensive rehabilitation program, the optimal distribution of responsibilities between the professionals, and the correct evaluation of the effectiveness of the programs. The implementation of the rehabilitation program based on the ICF core set resulted in a more effective sequence of the rehabilitation measures. The comprehensive rehabilitation program elaborated based the core set of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health possesses ensured a highly efficient rehabilitation that permits to consider it as a practical rehabilitation technology that can be recommended for a wide clinical application.
Validating the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Comprehensive Core Set for Rheumatoid Arthritis from the patient perspective: A qualitative study