title: In search of an integrative measure of functioning.
abstract: International trends towards people-centred, integrative care and support require any measurement of functioning and disability to meet multiple aims. The information requirements of two major Australian programs for disability and rehabilitation are outlined, and the findings of two searches for suitable measures of functioning and disability are analysed. Over 30 current measures of functioning were evaluated in each search. Neither search found a generic measure of functioning suitable for these multibillion dollar programs, relevant to a wide range of people with a variety of health conditions and functioning experiences, and capable of indicating support needs, associated costs, progress and outcomes. This unsuccessful outcome has implications internationally for policy-relevant information for disability, rehabilitation and related programs. The paper outlines the features of an Integrative Measure of Functioning (IMF) based on the concepts of functioning and environmental factors in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). An IMF would be applicable across a variety of health conditions, settings and purposes, ranging from individual assessment to public health. An IMF could deliver person-centred, policy-relevant information for a range of programs, promoting harmonised language and measurement and supporting international trends in human services and public health.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney, P.O. Box 170, NSW 1826, Australia. ros.madden@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Rosamond H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Madden
authors.affiliation: Brain & Mind Research Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett St., Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia. nick.glozier@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Glozier
authors.affiliation: Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney, P.O. Box 170, NSW 1826, Australia. nicola.fortune@sydney.edu.au.|National Centre for Classification in Health, University of Sydney, P.O. Box 170, NSW 1826, Australia. nicola.fortune@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fortune
authors.affiliation: Dyson Consulting Group, 450 Chapel Street, South Yarra, VIC 3141, Australia. maree@dysonconsultinggroup.com.au.
authors.forename: Maree
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dyson
authors.affiliation: Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney, P.O. Box 170, NSW 1826, Australia. john.gilroy@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gilroy
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, East Street, Lidcombe 2141, Australia. anita.bundy@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bundy
authors.affiliation: Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney, P.O. Box 170, NSW 1826, Australia. gwynnyth.llewellyn@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Gwynnyth
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Llewellyn
authors.affiliation: Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney, P.O. Box 170, NSW 1826, Australia. nick.glozier@sydney.edu.au.|Brain & Mind Research Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett St., Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia. nick.glozier@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Salvador-Carulla
authors.affiliation: Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney, P.O. Box 170, NSW 1826, Australia.
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lukersmith
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, East Street, Lidcombe 2141, Australia. elias.mpofu@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Elias
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mpofu
authors.affiliation: Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney, P.O. Box 170, NSW 1826, Australia. richard.madden@sydney.edu.au.|National Centre for Classification in Health, University of Sydney, P.O. Box 170, NSW 1826, Australia. richard.madden@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Madden
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D064702:International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; D011634:Public Health; D012046:Rehabilitation; D012946:Social Welfare
keywords: ICF; assessment; disability; functioning; integrated care; measurement; people-centred services; public health; rehabilitation