Developing an ICF Core Set for Climacteric Syndrome based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)

Background: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a globally accepted framework for the assessment of problems in functioning in relation to health conditions. ICF Core Sets are internationally accepted shortlists of the most relevant and essential ICF categories that can be used to assess and document the functioning of patients living with specific health conditions. Objectives: The objective of this paper is to outline the process of developing an ICF Core Set for Climacteric Syndrome. Study design: The development of an ICF Core Set follows an established, evidence-based process and will produce a comprehensive and a brief version of the ICF Core Set. The process includes four preliminary studies: 1) a systematic literature review; 2) a multi-center, cross-sectional study in a clinical setting with women 40+ years old; 3) an online expert survey with health professionals involved in caring for the health of women with climacteric syndrome; and 4) a qualitative study with focus groups of women 40+ years old. The results will be integrated at an international consensus conference, where it will be decided which ICF categories will be included in the ICF Core Set for Climacteric Syndrome. Conclusion: An ICF Core Set for Climacteric Syndrome could provide a holistic assessment of limitations in peri-and post-menopausal women and integrate the psycho-social perspective into health care practice. It could further facilitate communication between health care providers, be useful for research and teaching, and support both the transparency and the comparability of information.