International
Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)
www.cdc.gov/nchs/about/otheract/icd9/icfhome.htm
After nine years of international revision efforts coordinated
by the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Health Assembly
on May 22, 2001, approved the International Classification
of Functioning, Disability and Health and its abbreviation
of "ICF” - contains information on diagnosis and
health condition, and functional status.
Functioning and disability are viewed as a complex interaction
between the health condition of the individual and the contextual
factors of the environment as well as personal factors. The
picture produced by this combination of factors and dimensions
is of "the person in his or her world." The classification
treats these dimensions as interactive and dynamic rather
than linear or static. It allows for an assessment of the
degree of disability, although it is not a measurement instrument.
It is applicable to all people, whatever their health condition.
The language of the ICF is neutral as to etiology, placing
the emphasis on function rather than condition or disease.
It also is carefully designed to be relevant across cultures
as well as age groups and genders, making it highly appropriate
for heterogeneous populations.
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