Reconsideration of the scheme of the international classification of functioning, disability and health: incentives from the Netherlands for a global debate

Yvonne F. Heerkens*, Marjolein de Weerd, Machteld Huber, Carin P. M. de Brouwer, Sabina van der Veen, Rom J. M. Perenboom, Coen H. van Gool, Huib ten Napel, Marja van Bon-Martens, Hillegonda A. Stallinga, Nico L. U. van Meeteren

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: The ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) framework (used worldwide to describe 'functioning' and 'disability'), including the ICF scheme (visualization of functioning as result of interaction with health condition and contextual factors), needs reconsideration. The purpose of this article is to discuss alternative ICF schemes. Method: Reconsideration of ICF via literature review and discussions with 23 Dutch ICF experts. Twenty-six experts were invited to rank the three resulting alternative schemes. Results: The literature review provided five themes: 1) societal developments; 2) health and research influences; 3) conceptualization of health; 4) models/frameworks of health and disability; and 5) ICF-criticism (e.g. position of 'health condition' at the top and role of 'contextual factors'). Experts concluded that the ICF scheme gives the impression that the medical perspective is dominant instead of the biopsychosocial perspective. Three alternative ICF schemes were ranked by 16 (62%) experts, resulting in one preferred scheme. Conclusions: There is a need for a new ICF scheme, better reflecting the ICF framework, for further (inter)national consideration. These Dutch schemes should be reviewed on a global scale, to develop a scheme that is more consistent with current and foreseen developments and changing ideas on health.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)603-611
Number of pages9
JournalDisability and Rehabilitation
Volume40
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2018

Keywords

  • Medical model
  • biopsychosocial perspective
  • health
  • functioning
  • disability
  • ICF CORE SET
  • PERSONAL FACTORS
  • CAPABILITY APPROACH
  • PHYSICAL-THERAPY
  • BASIC NOTIONS
  • REHABILITATION
  • PARTICIPATION
  • ORGANIZATIONS
  • NARRATIVES
  • CHALLENGE

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