ANALYSIS OF SELF-DECLARED KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF THE INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF DISABILITY, FUNCTIONALITY AND HEALTH (ICF) BY PHYSIOTHERAPIST TEACHERS OF A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Introduction: The International Classification of Disability, Functioning and Health (ICF) is a tool created in 2001 by the World Health Organization that should be part of the training of health professionals, requiring knowledge about the tool by teachers. The objective of this work is to analyze the level of knowledge of the ICF by physiotherapist professors of the physiotherapy course at a public higher education institution. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional observational study of a descriptive nature. A semi-structured and adapted online questionnaire containing 21 questions about knowledge of the ICF was applied, which allowed the participant to be evaluated in three dimensions: use, knowledge and applicability of the ICF. Results: The mean age was 43±6,17 years, mostly female 55,4% (15), 100%(27) knew the ICF, most reported a good level of knowledge 44,4% (12), 70,4%(19) use the ICF in their professional activity, 77,8%(21) use it in the disciplines they teach at graduation. 55,6%(15) reported difficulty in understanding and 70,4%(19) in applying the ICF at different levels, 92,6% (25) find it important to use or apply it in classroom activities. Conclusion: Most teachers know the ICF, consider their level of knowledge to be good, apply activities with the tool in the classroom, and consider its use important, but report difficulty in understanding and applying it, which can compromise the students' learning.