International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

As a new member of WHO Family of International Classifications ICF describes how people live with their health condition. ICF is a classification of health and health related domains that describe body functions and structures activities and participation. The domains are classified from body individual and societal perspectives. Since an individual's functioning and disability occurs in a context ICF also includes a list of environmental factors.

ICF is useful to understand and measure health outcomes. It can be used in clinical settings health services or surveys at the individual or population level. Thus ICF complements ICD-10 The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems and therefore is looking beyond mortality and disease.

Contents

Introduction: ICF basic concepts

Main body: Part 1: Body functions and structures Activities and Participation

Part 2: Contextual factors

Annexes: Coding Guidelines and further background information

In view of the differing needs of different types of users ICF is presented in multiple formats and versions:

ICF Full Version

A conclusive volume with glossary definitions and full list of codes including all details. Available in all official WHO languages (Arabic Chinese English French Russian and Spanish).

ICF Pocket Version

The pocket size version contains main 2 level codes (max. 99 per list) for practical purposes.

ICF on CD-ROM

The CD-ROM includes ICF in 6 official WHO and other languages and provides the following functionality:

1. Allows browsing the classification in its tree structure

2. Can display two languages at the same time

3. Provides advanced search functions

4. Cross-references via hyperlinks

5. Allows the user to select and work on subsets of the classification

6. Internet based upgrading facility which allows incorporating future modifications in the classification and additional language versions

7. Allows user to send comments and feedback to WHO.