Use of the ICF Model as a Clinical Problem-Solving Tool in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Medicine

Abstract

The authors developed an instrument called the "Rehabilitation Problem-Solving Form" (RPS-Form), which allows health care professionals analyze patient problems, to focus on specific targets, and to relate the salient disabilities to relevant and modifiable variables. In particular, the RPS-Form was designed to address the patients' perspectives and enhance their participation in the decision-making process. Because the RPS-Form is based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Model of Functioning and Disability, it could provide a common language for the description of human functioning and therefore facilitates multidisciplinary responsibility and coordination of interventions. The use of the RPS-Form in clinical practice is demonstrated by presenting an application case of a patient with a chronic pain syndrome.