The ICF in the Pedagogical Projects of Physiotherapy Courses in Midwest Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: The course pedagogical projects (CPPs) of physical therapy programs in Brazil are based on National Curriculum Guidelines for Physiotherapy (NCGP) and the principles of the National Health System (SUS). The CPPs that guide professional training tend to use a biopsychosocial approach and propose familiarizing undergraduate students with the International Classification of Functionality, Disability and Health (ICF); as such, they should include the use of this instrument. Objective: Assess CPPs by exploratory document analysis and determine whether they propose teaching and using the ICF in student training. Method: Qualitative-quantitative study with document analysis of CPPs for physical therapy courses in Midwest Brazil, from which information related to the ICF was extracted. Results: The biopsychosocial model and NGCP were identified in the 10 CPPs analyzed and the ICF was found in the curriculum outline of 6 of these, indicating the incorporation of this framework in student training. However, the ICF was only identified in the course objectives and literature references of 4 and 2 CPPs, respectively, suggesting possible shortcomings in its application in these documents. Conclusion: The inclusion of the ICF in some CPPs indicates a positive change and favors understanding of functioning, but does not preclude the need for a broader approach to teaching this classification framework in the remaining CPPs in order to provide student training within a biopsychosocial context.