Validation and Evaluation of the ICF Rehabilitation Set: a Polish Clinical Perspective

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) rehabilitation is defined as "a set of interventions designed to optimize functioning and reduce disability in individuals with health conditions in interaction with their environment." Rehabilitation is considered a key health strategy in the 21st century. Demographic and epidemiological trends indicate that human functioning is one of the most important indicators of population health, apart from morbidity and mortality. Thus, it suggests that the main focus of healthcare will be on the real health needs generated by long-term treatment of chronic diseases, including comprehensive enhancement and intensification of rehabilitation.

The aim of rehabilitation is to optimize functioning of patients. WHO indicates International Classifications and Terminologies including the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as the global standards for collecting data regarding health, clinical documentation and statistical data aggregation3. ICF and ICD provide health information in relation to diagnosis (ICD) as well as functioning and disability (ICF). The ICF is based on a holistic biopsychosocial disability model that allows for a comprehensive and wide approach to the problems of an individual related to functioning in his/her living environment.

A Polish version of the ICF Rehabilitation Set has been developed, which contains 29 categories and is proposed as framework for harmonizing information on the functioning and disability of people participating in the rehabilitation process. Therefore, the aim of the study is to validate and assess the use of the ICF Rehabilitation Set in Polish clinical practice.