ICF in Finland – background Verdana 36 Bold Title Conclusions The ICF was translated to Finnish in However, lack of systematic education, clinical networks, a Finnish electronic version, and practical tools has prevented its widespread utilization in clinical practice. Networks can encourage partnerships in research, development and implementation activities. The National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) initiated a learning network on the ICF issues in “Innovillage” during autumn ICF activities in Finland – learning network and national programs Abstract 12 – 18 October 2013 Beijing, China C531 WHO - FAMILY OF INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATIONS NETWORK ANNUAL MEETING 2013 Heidi Anttila, Päivi Nurmi-Koikkalainen, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Finland; Jaana Paltamaa, Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences (JAMK), Finland Title This poster describes some current activities in Finland, where the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) is closely connected as a classification to describe or measure functioning. The ICF learning network was initiated to promote shared learning, using and developing the ICF in different fields. The TOIMIA network improves the use of functional outcome measures and maintains a national functional outcomes measure database. The ICF eLearningTool will be implemented to social and health care and the WHODAS 2.0 are being translated into Finnish. The SADe program brings functional self-assessment tools (e.g. the WHODAS 2.0) to every citizen in a national electronic citizen pathway to services. The National TOIMIA network of social and health care professionals collects and evaluates since 2009 measurement tools used in disability assessment to an open access TOIMIA database ( The aim is to improve the quality of the measurement by producing valid information about the measurement properties and harmonizing the measures and terminology. Six expert groups have been formed: measurement among the 1) elderly, 2) working aged people, 3) severely disabled persons, 4) children, and 5) at population level. The groups identify measurement tools used in the assessment of functioning in their expertise area, and evaluate and collect data about the tools’ background, validity, reliability, responsiveness and feasibility. A sixth group, on terminology and harmonization, organizes workshops on linking the terms and concepts of the measures to the ICF for conceptual analysis. The outcome measure’s linkage to the ICF are important both for TOIMIA database and future use in national electronic systems. Use of the ICF in Finland ICF- learning network Knowing and learning Using Developing ICF learning network The ICF learning network is open for all interested in learning, education, development and research considering the ICF. It aims to identify challenges, develop, evaluate and disseminate the ICF-based practices by organizing workshops on the ICF-related topics. The network utilizes the developed virtual tools and services in Innokylä “the Innovillage” (joint workspace, project bank etc.). Initiated activities in : 1)an -post list to share the ICF- related information (120 members), 2)implementing the ICF eLearning tool, 3)organizing ICF education, preparing shared national ICF learning modules and materials 4)translating the ICF Practical Guide and the ICF Core Set Manual, and 5)organizing workshops on the ICF tools to describe uses cases. Translating and implementing the ICF eLearning Tool The JAMK led ICF-project with many collaborators aims to implement the ICF in rehabilitation practices. The ICF eLearning Tool will be translated into Finnish. Barriers and facilitators of using the ICF in clinical practice will be studied by questionnaires and a qualitative research. The aim is to promote the use and education of the ICF. Translating the WHODAS 2.0 The manual Measuring Health and Disability: Manual for WHO Disability Assessment Schedule – WHODAS 2.0 (WHO, 2010) will be published in Finnish. A translation process has been started by JAMK. The eServices and eDemocracy (SADe) program Online heath and social services help citizens to maintain and monitor their personal health and well-being. Using online services, citizens can self- assess their need for help, compare the available social and health services, apply for a suitable service and provide feedback. After initiating a service relationship, citizens can interact with service professionals electronically and securely. Online services also support self-care, make medical treatment more accessible and efficient, and help service providers improve their operational efficiency. The THL led SADe project on social and health information and self-report measures builds a model to electronize self-report measures and their connection to the electronic health record, and services. The WHODAS 2.0 will be included in the citizen’s pathway to services.