Disability and Rehabilitation · 2002 · 167 citations · 0 references
DisabilityNeurological RehabilitationCognitive RehabilitationOrthopaedic SurgeryBrain Injury RehabilitationPrimary CareHealth-related Quality Of LifeNeurorehabilitationHealth SciencesAssistive TechnologyOutcomes ResearchRehabilitationNew Language IcfPhysical TreatmentRehabilitation ProcessPhysical TherapyNursingFunctional RecoveryOccupational TherapyRehabilitation MedicineMedicineIcf SuccessHealth Informatics
Rehabilitation medicine is a multi‑disciplinary field that manages functioning and health, relying on concepts of functioning, disability and health, and is now framed by the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) which offers a coherent biological, individual and social perspective. The study aims to develop the ICF by integrating existing instruments and creating ICF Core Sets. ICF success hinges on its compatibility with rehabilitation measures and practicability, and its adoption could strengthen rehabilitation’s standing, enhance multidisciplinary communication, and improve patient–professional interactions.
Rehabilitation medicine may be defined as the multi- and interdisciplinary management of a person's functioning and health. Rehabilitation medicine defines itself with respect to concepts of functioning, disability and health. Assessment and intervention management rely on this concept. The current framework of disability--the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)--providing a coherent view of health from a biological, individual and social perspective. However, ICF success will depend on its compatibility with measures used in rehabilitation and on the improvement of its practicability. Thus, it is expected to see the development of the ICF based on versions of currently used instruments and on the development of ICF Core Sets. The new language ICF is an exciting landmark event for rehabilitation. It may lead to a stronger position of rehabilitation within the medical community, change multi-professional communication and improve communication between patients and rehabilitation professionals.