Understanding Health-Related Functioning and Its Policy Implications
Author Information
Author(s): Salvador-Carulla Luis, Garcia-Gutierrez Carlos
Primary Institution: Research Unit, Fundació Villablanca. Grup pere Mata, Reus, Spain
Hypothesis
How does the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) framework influence health policy and legislation?
Conclusion
The ICF model of functioning is more comprehensive and usable than previous alternatives, but a full taxonomy of the HrF construct is needed to avoid further confusions in this field.
Supporting Evidence
- The ICF has been adopted by many countries as a reference framework for classification and policy on disabilities.
- ICF is both a coding system and a conceptual framework of health-related functioning.
- Critics highlight usability and taxonomy problems within the ICF framework.
Takeaway
This study looks at how a system called ICF helps us understand health and disability, and why we need to make it clearer for better health policies.
Methodology
Narrative review based on scientific literature and prior expert knowledge.
Potential Biases
Confusion between the ICF and other health functioning models may lead to misinterpretation and misapplication in policy.
Limitations
The ICF framework has been loosely used in policy and legislation, leading to significant implications for assessment and disability policy.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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