Identification of Relevant ICF Categories in Vocational Rehabilitation: A Cross Sectional Study Evaluating the Clinical Perspective Monika E. Finger • Andrea Gla ¨ssel • Peter Erhart • Felix Gradinger • Andreas Klipstein • Gilles Rivier • Maria Schro ¨er • Christian Wenk • Hans Peter Gmu ¨ nder • Gerold Stucki • Reuben Escorpizo Published online: 21 April 2011 Ó Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011 Abstract Introduction Vocational rehabilitation (VR) emphasizes a need for medical support, rehabilitation and biopsychosocial approach to enable individuals to suc- cessfully participate in the workforce. Optimal rehabilita- tion management relies on an in-depth knowledge of the typical spectrum of problems encountered of patients in VR. The International Classification of Functioning, Dis- ability and Health (ICF) is based on a universal conceptual model and provides a holistic view of functioning of the lived experience of people such as those undergoing VR. The objectives of this study are to describe the functioning and health of persons undergoing VR and to identify the most common problems around work and in VR using the ICF as the reference framework. Methods An empirical cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted using convenience sampling from March 2009 to March 2010. Data were collected using a Case Record Form rated by health professionals which was based on an extended version of the ICF Checklist containing 292 ICF categories and sociodemographic information. Results 152 patients with various health conditions participated. We identified categories from all four ICF components: 24 for body functions, six for body structures, 45 for activities and participation, and 25 for environmental factors. Conclu- sions Our study identified a multitude of ICF categories that describe functioning domains and which represent the complexity of VR. Such a comprehensive approach in assessing patients in VR may help to understand and cus- tomize the process of VR in the clinical setting and to enhance multidisciplinary communication. Keywords ICF Á Cross-sectional study Á ICF-checklist Á Vocational rehabilitation M. E. Finger Á A. Gla ¨ssel Á F. Gradinger Á G. Stucki Á R. Escorpizo (&) Swiss Paraplegic Research (SPF), Guido A. Za ¨ch Str. 4, Nottwil 6207, Switzerland e-mail: reuben.escorpizo@paranet.ch M. E. Finger Á A. Gla ¨ssel Á F. Gradinger Á G. Stucki Á R. Escorpizo ICF Research Branch in cooperation with the WHO Collaborating Centre for the Family of International Classification in Germany (at DIMDI), Nottwil, Switzerland M. E. Finger Á P. Erhart Á H. P. Gmu ¨nder Rehaklinik Bellikon, Bellikon, Switzerland A. Klipstein Department of Rheumatology and Institute of Physical Medicine, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland A. Klipstein Department of Disability Management, Center of Occupational Health AEH, Zurich, Switzerland G. Rivier Centre de Re ´adaptation Suva, Sion, Switzerland M. Schro ¨er Berufsfo ¨rderungswerk Mu ¨nchen, Kirchseeon, Germany C. Wenk Swiss Paraplegic Center, (SPZ), Nottwil, Switzerland G. Stucki Á R. Escorpizo Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne and SPF, Nottwil, Switzerland 123 J Occup Rehabil (2011) 21:156–166 DOI 10.1007/s10926-011-9308-2