The multicenter benchmarking study of burn injury: A content analysis of the outcome measures using the international classification of functioning, disability and health

- The activities and participation component is most frequently addressed in the BOQ.
- The body structures component is not addressed in the BOQ assessments.
- ICF chapter and category distribution is skewed and varied between BOQ assessments.
- The majority of BOQ items are of the health status perspective.

ObjectiveTo link, classify and describe the content of the Multicenter Benchmarking Study Burn Outcomes Questionnaires (BOQ) using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to determine if the information garnered provides researchers with the data necessary to develop a comprehensive understanding of life after burns.MethodsTwo ICF linking experts used a standardized linking technique endorsed by the World Health Organization to link all BOQ concepts to the ICF. Linking results were analyzed to determine the comprehensiveness of each of the five measures.ResultsThe activities and participation component was most frequently addressed followed by the body functions component. Environmental factors are not extensively covered and body structures are not addressed. ICF chapter and category distribution were skewed and varied between assessments. The majority of BOQ items are of the health status perspective.ConclusionBOQ item composition could be improved with a more even distribution of pertinent ICF topics. Assessment authors may consider addressing the impact of environmental factors on participation. Including body structure concepts would allow investigators to track structural deformation and/or developmental delay. Generally speaking, this data should not be used to examine quality of life outcomes.