LAUSR

BACKGROUND Young patients with stroke are typically the economic support of their families and societies, and their return to work (RTW) is crucial to maintaining their quality of life. However, the identification of RTW-related factors of different aspects is complicated and a systematic analysis of these factors is lacking. AIM To develop a core set from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) for return to work (RTW) among patients with stroke. DESIGN Three-round Delphi-based consensus. SETTING University-based hospital. PARTICIPANTS Thirty experts in stroke-related domains from different institutions. METHODS A five-point Likert scale was used to rate the importance of each item. Consensus of ratings was analyzed using Spearman's rho and semi-interquartile range indices. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health core set for return to work among patients with stroke was based on a high level of consensus and a mean score of ≥4.0 in the third round of the Delphi. RESULTS The ICF core set comprised 58 categories distributed as follows: 16 body function, 30 activities and participation, 10 environmental factor, and 2 personal factors. CONCLUSIONS Our ICF core set for RTW among patients with stroke can inform effective rehabilitation strategies and goal setting for RTW among patients with stroke. However, further validation is warranted. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT ICF core set could provide information on rehabilitation strategies setting for RTW of stroke patients.