| Learning Objective #1: Describe the history and content of the WHO-developed International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Evaluate the usefulness of the multidiscplinary International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) for the nursing discipline |
AIM - This presentation reports on a study that systematically explored the usefulness of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health in nursing practice.
METHODS – Nursing practice applications (e.g. assessment forms, transfer forms, care plans etc.) based on the ICF were developed in 10 sub-projects in three university medical centres. The study used information from 653 patients, 469 nurses and 178 others (ICF experts & other professionals). The study specifically described which parts of the classifications were used in nursing applications and which terms should be altered or added to improve the ICF's relevance for the nursing discipline.
FINDINGS - All ICF components and all domains within these components were used in the applications. A set of 42 commonly used terms could be identified. The use of three-digit codes (a level of moderate detail) in the applications revealed a predominant focus on the ICF component of ‘body functions' (53% of all three-digit codes for this components were used). Some items that could be added, improved or described with more detail were identified.
CONCLUSIONS - The ICF can be a useful tool in classifying and communicating aspects of patient functioning. A level of moderate detail (three-digit level) seems appropriate for most nursing purposes. Our results on items that could be added or improved can serve as input in future revisions of the classification. Use of the ICF in health informatics initiatives should be encouraged.