The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, provides a standard language and framework for classification of health and health-related domains It throws light on certain points- What changes in body function and structure have occurred in a person with a health condition? What a person with a health condition can do in a standard environment -their level of function What can be done to maximize function?

1. International Classification of
Functioning, Disability and Health
(ICF)
Dr.Nidhi Ahya (Asst Prof)
Cardio-Vascular & Respiratory PT
DVVPF College of Physiotherapy,
Ahmednagar 414111

2. Objectives
What is ICF?
ICF Model
Definitions and Terminologies
Applying ICF in Clinical Practice
Formulating ICF for Cardio respiratory condition

3. ICF
The International Classification of Functioning,
Disability and Health, provides a standard
language and framework for classification of
health and health-related domains
It throws light on certain points-
• What changes in body function and structure have
occurred in a person with a health condition?
• What a person with a health condition can do in a
standard environment -their level of function
• What can be done to maximize function?

4. ICF Model
ICF is based on biopsychosocial model- an
integration of medical and social models or a
synthesis of different perspectives of health:
biological, individual and social
Thus, ICF views disability and health as an
outcome of interactions between health conditions
and contextual factors

6. This diagram identifies the three levels of human
functioning classified by ICF:
• Functioning at the level of body or body
part- body structure and function
• the whole person- activity limitations
• the whole person in a social context –
participation restriction

7. Definitions and Terminologies
Body Functions are physiological functions of
body systems
Body Structures are anatomical parts of the
body such as organs, limbs and their
components.
Impairments are problems in body function or
structure such as a significant deviation or loss
Activity is the execution of a task or action by an
individual.

8. Activity Limitations are difficulties an individual
may have in executing activities.
Participation is involvement in a life situation.
Participation Restrictions are problems an
individual may experience in involvement in life
situations.
Environmental Factors make up the physical,
social and attitudinal environment in which
people live and conduct their lives.

9. Applying ICF in Clinical Practice
What you know about the patient- Demographic
details, signs and symptoms , medical treatment
etc.
Identification of health condition based on
assessment
Focus on pathophysiology of the condition
• Body structure at fault
• Altered physiological functions of that body
structure

10. Activity Limitations
• What the patient is able to do with the health
condition? Does he/she face any difficulties in
doing so and Level of assistance if required
(Use of functional scales- FIM, Barthel Index; or
Self-reported Questionnaire
Participation Restrictions
• Focus on the social role of the patient expected by
the family, community or society as a whole

11. Environmental Factors
• Identification of buffers and barriers based on Age,
Level of education, weather, Housing facility, Social
Surroundings, Family support, economic
background, Medical Services etc.

12. • A 60 year old farmer complains of severe
breathlessness at rest and small amount of
productive cough since 4-5 days. Symptoms are
more in the evening and have seasonal variation.
He was unable to work due to these complaints;
and is presently on bronchodilator treatment with
some relief.

13. Summary
What is ICF?
Definitions and Terminologies
Application ICF in Clinical Practice
Formulating ICF for Cardio respiratory
condition

14. QUESTION
WHAT IS ICF? WRITE ABOUT THE
TERMINOLOGY OF ICF. 5MARKS

15. • References:
ICF Manual- Beginners Guide
ICF Practice Manual
• Online Resources:
http://www.who.int/classifications/icf/en/
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