ICF and Application in Clinical Practice

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Original Editor - Ewa Jaraczewska based on the course by Patricia Saleeby

Top Contributors - Ewa Jaraczewska, Jess Bell and Tarina van der Stockt  

Introduction[edit | edit source]

A comprehensive and holistic nature of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) makes it extremely useful in clinical practice. [1] The primary purpose of applying the ICF into clinical practice is to establish a common language for defining health and health-related states between different providers.[2] It improves communication in decision making among healthcare and social care professionals, which is essential for making more informed assessments, developing more effective interventions, and achieving good patient outcomes.[1]

Overview of ICF[edit | edit source]

The ICF defines the interaction between health conditions, personal and social factors, daily life activities and social life.[3]The relationship of these various domains and components is reciprocal, which explains how they interact with one another.[1]

Framework[edit | edit source]

The ICF is a biopsychosocial model of functioning, health and disability. It helps to explain disability as a complex

Classification[edit | edit source]

ICF-Based Tools/ICF Informed Tools[edit | edit source]

Framework, classification, The ICF-based tools, the ICF-informed tools (WHODAS, ICF checklist)


WHO Disability Assessment Schedule[edit | edit source]

The WHO Disability Assessment Schedule enable clinical professionals to create functional profiles of their patients to develop more informed interventions. In this assessment all relevant domains are included: health conditions, activities and participation, and environmental factors. Thus, the ICF can be useful at enhancing decision making among healthcare and social care professionals.

Case Study[edit | edit source]

The patient sustained a burn injury to the hand causing damage to the integrity of the skin structure.

Goals:

  1. Defining ICF codes that correspond to this patient's injury for the purpose of assessment
  2. Choosing ICF developed qualifiers or qualifiers specific to the profession you represent


Body structure codes (s codes) according to specificity :

  • s810: structures of the area of skin
  • s8102:skin of the upper extremity

Body functions (b codes) following the skin healing process:

  • b810: protective functions of the skin may be impaired temporarily
  • b820: functions of the skin for repairing breaks and other damage to the skin (from wound stage to scar formation)
    • Inclusion and exclusion criteria can be applied to the body functions domain:
      • Inclusion: function of scab formation, healing, scaring; bruising and keloid formation
      • Exclusion: protective function of the skin; other functions of the skin.

Core Sets[edit | edit source]

Clinical Forms[edit | edit source]

Rehabilitation Problem-Solving Form (RPS-Form)[edit | edit source]

Physical Therapy Clinical Reasoning and Reflection Tool (PTCRT)[edit | edit source]

Cross-Walking of the ICF[edit | edit source]

Resources[edit | edit source]

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or

  1. numbered list
  2. x

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Saleeby P. ICF and Application in Clinical Practice Course. Plus 2022
  2. ↑ Aims of the ICF. Available form https://www.icf-elearning.com/wp-content/uploads/ [last access 9.09.2022]
  3. ↑ Pasqualotto L, Lascioli A. ICF-based functional profile in education and rehabilitation: a multidisciplinary pilot experience. Journal of advanced health care, 2020; 2(1)
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