The Editor of the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine has requested responses to a special edition of the journal concerning the use of the ICF as a framework for rehabilitation research. The papers are available on line at http://jrm.medicaljournals.se/issue/39/4.
Contribute to a WCPT response by posting your comments in our online forum.
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
In line with its mission and 2004-2007 strategic plans the World Confederation for Physical Therapy is aiming to:
- raise the profile of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) with the membership of the WCPT and
- work with the World Health Organization (WHO) on a collaborative work programme to gain greater use of ICF by physiotherapists
What is the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)?
The ICF is a framework and classification system for use in describing functioning and disability in relation to a health condition. It is recognised as a reference member of the WHO family of international classifications (WHO-FIC), and complementary to the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD). In May 2001, the World Health Assembly endorsed the ICF (WHO 2001).
Value to physiotherapists of using the ICF
Physiotherapists are concerned with the functional status of their patients and the aim of physiotherapy interventions is to maintain or improve current level of functioning or to prevent deterioration.
The ICF is a multipurpose classification system designed to serve various disciplines and sectors across different countries and cultures. The stated aims of the ICF (WHO 2001:5) are to:
- provide a scientific basis for understanding and studying health and health-related states, outcomes and determinants;
- establish a common language for describing health and health-related states in order to improve communication between different users, such as health care workers, researchers, policy-makers and the public, including people with disabilities;
- permit comparison of data across countries, health care disciplines, services and time; and
- provide a systematic coding scheme for health information system.
How to find out more about the ICF
- Join the WCPT Network for ICF. The Network enables physiotherapists to communicate on the internet and share experiences in using the classification
- Find ICF resources
- Find an ICF expert to help with training or to assist with specific questions
Useful Links
