The application of the International Classification of functioning, disability and health for the evaluation of the effectiveness of rehabilitation: methodology, practical experience, results

The article highlights the methodology, tools, conditions and limitations of the application of the International Classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF) for the evaluation of the effectiveness of medical rehabilitation. The results of the assessment of the initial level of the patients’ functional abilities and their rehabilitation potential are presented with special reference to the selection of interventions and instruments for their realization as envisaged by ICF and allocation of the responsibilities among the professionals taking into consideration the objectives of the rehabilitative treatment for specific patients. The advantages of the proposed approach are demonstrated on the example of the management of the patients presenting with osteoarthritis. Special attention is given to the information coding techniques and standards for the description of the patients’ health conditions at various stages of rehabilitation.