1. International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)
Jamie Pomeranz, PhD, CRC
September 1, 2005

2. Purpose of the ICF Model
ICF is useful to understand and measure health outcomes.
It can be used in clinical settings, health services or surveys at the individual or population level.
Thus ICF complements ICD-10
The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems and therefore is looking beyond mortality and disease.

3. WHAT IS A MODEL?
A Model Can Come in Many Shapes, Sizes, and Styles. A Model Is Not the Real World but Merely a Human Construct to Help Us Better Understand Real World Systems. In General All Models Have an Information Input, an Information Processor, and an Output of Expected Results. "Modeling the Environment" Andrew Ford, Island Press, Washington D.C.

4. Medical Model of Disability
Disability is a problem with the person
Caused by the disease, trauma, or health condition.
Management aimed at a cure or the individual’s adjustment or behavioral change.
Medical care is viewed as the main issue

5. Social Model of Disability
Socially created problem
Matter of full integration of an individual into society.
Disability is not an attribute of the individual but rather a complex collection of conditions, many of which created by the social environment
Management requires social action, environmental modification, attitudinal and ideological changes.
At the political level, a question of human rights.

6. ICF Model (Biopsychosocial)
Integration of both the Medical and Social Models.
Synthesis of different perspectives of health from a biological, individual and social perspective.

7. Background of the ICF
Unified and standard language and framework for the description of health and health related states.
Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Framework to code a wide range of information about health (diagnosis, functioning, disability, reasons for contact with health services).
Standardized common language permitting communication about health and health care across the world in various disciplines and sciences.

8. Background
Complementary with WHO’s ICD-10 (International Classifications of Diseases, Tenth Revision).
ICF and ICD-10 combine diagnosis plus functioning leading to a broader and more meaningful picture of the health of people or populations.

9. Applications of the ICF
Statistical tool for the collection and recoding of data.
Research tool to measure outcomes, quality of life or environmental factors.
Clinical tool (PT/OT/SLP, needs assessment, matching treatment with specific conditions, vocational assessments, rehabilitation outcomes evaluation).
Social policy tool (Social Security, Compensation Systems).
Educational Tool (curriculum tool, raise awareness and undertake social action).

10. Components of the ICF Body Function Body Structure Impairment Activity
Physiological and psychological functions of the body.
Body Structure
Anatomical parts of the body (organs, limbs, and their components)
Impairment
Problems in body function or structure such as significant deviation or loss.
Activity
The execution of a task or action by an individual
Participation
Involvement in a life situation
Environmental Factors
Physical, social, attitudinal environment.

11. (Environmental and Personal)
ICF Model
Health Condition
(disorder or disease)
Body Structure/ Function
Activity
Participation
Contextual Factors
(Environmental and Personal)

12. ICF Activity Domain: Movement Activities
Maintaining body position
Shifting the weight of the body
Changing body position
Transferring oneself while sitting or lying
Activities involving fine hand use
Activity involving arm and course hand use
Activities aimed at making objects move

13. ICF Activity Domain: Daily Life Activities
Eating and drinking
Care of body parts, teeth, nails and hair
Dressing
Washing oneself
Caring for own well-being
Dealing with everyday objects and appliances