Matilde Leonardi1. 1. Neurology, Public Health and Disability Unit - Scientific Directorate, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy. leonardi@istituto-besta.it
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Disability is a multi-dimensional phenomenon arising out of an interaction between the individual's health status and his environment: disability data must reflect this bio-psychosocial model. WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides the framework for documenting the interaction between health status and environmental features. MHADIE, a 3-year project supported by a EC 6th Framework Programme Grant, aimed at demonstrating the feasibility and utility of the ICF model in the measurement and description of disability. METHODS: The ICF model was used as the structure for analysing existing population health surveys and education statistics data. ICF-based tools were used to describe disability in selected health conditions. RESULTS: MHADIE researchers showed that the ICF model is adequate for describing and measuring patterns of disability in clinical samples from different countries cross-sectionally and over time as well as feasible and useful in educational sectors. CONCLUSIONS: Valid and reliable information are essential to design, implement or evaluate policies to combat discrimination, promote integration and enhance opportunities. Results made it possible to produce a definition of disability as well as policy recommendations concerning how, in Europe and internationally, the existing sources of data can be harmonized with the ICF model.
INTRODUCTION: Disability is a multi-dimensional phenomenon arising out of an interaction between the individual's health status and his environment: disability data must reflect this bio-psychosocial model. WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides the framework for documenting the interaction between health status and environmental features. MHADIE, a 3-year project supported by a EC 6th Framework Programme Grant, aimed at demonstrating the feasibility and utility of the ICF model in the measurement and description of disability. METHODS: The ICF model was used as the structure for analysing existing population health surveys and education statistics data. ICF-based tools were used to describe disability in selected health conditions. RESULTS: MHADIE researchers showed that the ICF model is adequate for describing and measuring patterns of disability in clinical samples from different countries cross-sectionally and over time as well as feasible and useful in educational sectors. CONCLUSIONS: Valid and reliable information are essential to design, implement or evaluate policies to combat discrimination, promote integration and enhance opportunities. Results made it possible to produce a definition of disability as well as policy recommendations concerning how, in Europe and internationally, the existing sources of data can be harmonized with the ICF model.
Authors: Nicolas Berger; Jean-Marie Robine; Toshiyuki Ojima; Jennifer Madans; Herman Van Oyen Journal: J Epidemiol Community Health Date: 2016-05-10 Impact factor: 3.710