International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a framework for change: revolutionizing rehabilitation.
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) utilizes domains of body functions and structures, activities and participation, as well as environmental and personal factors to fully encapsulate the concepts of health and disability. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health provides a rich and holistic understanding of functioning that is particularly valuable in the setting of childhood disability and rehabilitation. With applicability that enhances a nuanced understanding of each child within their family, school, and community, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health also ensures facile and meaningful communication between professionals. Use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health promotes improved treatment plans for individual children and for larger programmatic decisions. This article demonstrates how the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health has reinvented the language and understanding of childhood disability and rehabilitation.
Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology & Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA vardt8@cchmc.org.
Jilda N
JN
Vargus-Adams
School of Physical & Occupational Therapy, Department of Pediatrics and Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Annette
A
Majnemer
D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000145:classification / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D038801:International Classification of Diseases
ICF; disability; function; rehabilitation