Systematization of Rehabilitation Interventions for Neuro-oncological Patients Using International Classification of Health Interventions: a Scoping Review

Background: To ensure equitable and effective rehabilitation for neuro-oncological patients the development of an effective treatment strategy is necessary.

Objective: To identify evidence for interventions used in acute rehabilitation for patients with neuro-oncological conditions and to systematize them according to the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI) classification Methods: A scoping review was conducted, comprising 3 parts: identification of interventions in publications; linking the interventions to ICHI classification; and identifying problems targeted by these interventions and linking them to International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) categories.

Results: The search strategy selected a total of 6,128 articles. Of these, 58 publications were included in the review. A total of 150 interventions were identified, 47 of which were unique interventions. Forty-three of the interventions were linked to the ICHI classification; 4 of these interventions were evidence level I, 18 evidence level II, 23 evidence level III, and 2 evidence level IV. Five interventions were linked to the ICF One-Level Classification, and the remaining 42 interventions were linked to the ICF Two-Level Classification. All interventions regarding the Body Systems and Functions were linked to the ICF Two-Level Classification. Only 5 interventions in the Activities and Participation domain, 3 interventions in the Health-related Behaviors domain, and 1 intervention in the Environment domain were linked to the ICF Two-Level Classification. Two identified problems (inpatient nursing and comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation) were not classified according to the ICF.

Discussion: A total of 47 unique interventions were identified, revealing a significant focus on addressing issues related to bodily functions and structures. The study also highlighted the challenge of linking specific interventions to ICHI codes, particularly when the source documentation lacked adequate detail. While this review offers valuable insights into rehabilitation for neuro-oncological patients and lays the groundwork for standardized coding and data exchange, it also emphasizes the need for further refinement and validation of the ICHI classification to better align with the multifaceted interventions used in rehabilitation.

Conclusion:  There is evidence in the literature of 47 interventions used by various rehabilitation professionals in the acute rehabilitation of neuro-oncological patients. However, most of these interventions are evidence level II and III. Four interventions (virtual reality, mirror therapy, robotic upper extremity training to improve function, and cognitive group therapy) are not included in the ICHI. The problems analysed in the literature that are targeted by interventions often do not coincide with the purpose of the specific intervention or are too broadly defined and not specific. These findings emphasize the need for greater precision in describing and documenting interventions, as well as the importance of aligning interventions more closely with ICF categories, particularly in the domains of Activities and Participation. This work highlights the heterogeneity in the reporting of rehabilitation interventions, and the challenges in mapping them to standardized classifications, emphasizing the ongoing need for refining and updating these classification systems.