Reconsideration of the scheme of the international classification of functioning, disability and health: incentives from the Netherlands for a global debate

Abstract

There is a need for a new ICF scheme, better reflecting the ICF framework, for further (inter)national consideration. These Dutch schemes should be reviewed on a global scale, to develop a scheme that is more consistent with current and foreseen developments and changing ideas on health. Implications for Rehabilitation We propose policy makers on community, regional and (inter)national level to consider the use of the alternative schemes of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health within their plans to promote functioning and health of their citizens and researchers and teachers to incorporate the alternative schemes into their research and education to emphasize the biopsychosocial paradigm. We propose to set up an international Delphi procedure involving citizens (including patients), experts in healthcare, occupational care, research, education and policy, and planning to get consensus on an alternative scheme of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. We recommend to discuss the alternatives for the present scheme of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health in the present update and revision process within the World Health Organization as a part of the discussion on the future of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework (including ontology, title and relation with the International Classification of Diseases). We recommend to revise the definition of personal factors and to draft a list of personal factors that can be used in policy making, clinical practice, research, and education and to put effort in the revision of the present list of environmental factors to make it more useful in, e.g., occupational health care.

Examining the complexity of functioning in persons with spinal cord injury attending first rehabilitation in Switzerland using structural equation modelling

“…However, the results need to be interpreted within its conceptual framework and the cross-sectional design of the study: first, personal factors are not classified yet in the ICF and there remains to be a debate about their definition and relationship to mental functions [33]. Regardless whether you consider anxiety, depression, optimism and self-esteem as mental functions or personal factors, they are important when looking at peoples' functioning.…”

Functioning and disability of premenopausal women with urinary incontinence: An assessment by using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule—WHODAS 2.0

“…In 2001, the World Health Organization published the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), seeking to establish a biopsychosocial approach to health while considering the environmental factors and the context of people as determinants of health . ICF is composed of domains based on the perspective of the body, the individual and the society and arranging information in two sections; the first one referring to Functioning and Disability, composed of the items of Body (structures and functions) and Activities and Participation; and the second by Contextual Factors: Environmental and Personal Factors …”

Advanced technology for gait rehabilitation: An overview

“…The instrument of ICF itself evolves while our understanding regarding the components of the biopsychosocial framework improves. 90 Gait is a complex activity by itself, requiring the integrity and good integrated functionality of the musculoskeletal system, of the sensory organs and of the peripheral and central nervous system (involving all somatosensory, motor and higher level cognitive as well as all executive functions). Gait is impaired and even impossible in some medical conditions, and the personal and environmental factors may support or may decrease the walking ability of the person.…”