Function and Environmental Factors Analysis using ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) for People with Disabilities

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) through correlation among existing functional evaluation tools and examined environmental factors affecting its function. METHOD: One hundred eight persons with disabilities living in Seoul were randomly selected according to disability severity categories. Functional Independence Measure (FIM), modified Barthel index (MBI) and ICF were examined and subjects were interviewed by trained rehabilitation doctors and occupational therapists. We compared correlation between these three functional measurements. We coded environmental factors affecting function. That was used in second level of 74 ICF items. RESULTS: The average of FIM, modified Barthel index, capacity and performance scores of ICF was 112.76, 92.97, 5.74 and 3.19. There was a statistical correlation among FIM, Barthel index, and ICF. The facilitator chapters among ICF's environmental factors were support and relationships (51.9%), attitudes (45.8%) in order. Most facilitated second level domains among the 68 items were immediate family (66.77%) and health professionals (52.8%). The most barrier chapters in ICF were product and a technology (19.5%), environment changes (15.5%) in order. Most barrier second level domains were design, construction and technology of buildings for public use (37%) and assets (37.0%). CONCLUSION: ICF correlates with the existing functional evaluation tool and can facilitate management of activity and participation by linking the result with the environmental factors, which may exacerbate or minimize them