Using the International Classification of Function, Disability and
Health (ICF) as a Map for Geriatric Care
Presented by Kenneth L. Miller
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The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is a classification system developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) used to define health and disability across the health continuum using a bio-psychosocial model. Geriatric Physical Therapists work with a challenging patient population due to the complex interplay of chronic disease and aging and the resultant impact on function and disability. Caring for these patients requires an ability to identify contextual factors (environmental and personal) that may be barriers or facilitators to achieving the goals established in the plan of care.
This course will focus on using the ICF to shift the focus of disability from causation to impact that a person’s health has on function. Moving away from the Nagi disablement model to the ICF model is a paradigm shift requiring a change in the language used by and the thinking of clinicians. Rather than treating disease and disability, clinicians will seek to improve health and function. The participant will be provided tools to apply the ICF in a practical sense and operationalize the ICF for evaluation, plan of care development (interventions/goals) and integrate defensible documentation for all patient encounters.
Meet your instructor
Kenneth L. Miller
Dr. Kenneth Miller has been an educator, physical therapist, and consultant for the home health industry for more than 20 years and serves as a guest lecturer, adjunct teaching assistant, and adjunct professor in the DPT program at Touro College in Bay Shore, New York. He has presented at the Combined Sections Meeting of the…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. The ICF: Background and Approach to Care
The introduction of the ICF into physical therapist practice introduces a new framework for patient/client management. Physical Therapists will look at function and disability as part of a continuum of health rather than a consequence of disease. Therapists will adapt their approach to care from a bio-medical model of care to a bio-psychosocial model of care which assists in identifying contextual factors that may be facilitators or barriers for optimal outcomes.
2. ICF: Impact on Practice and Policy
Understanding how to classify patients using the ICF, clinicians will be able to move from treating illness and disability to engaging patient’s to be engaged and be actively involved carrying out the care plan. The Healthcare system in the U.S is moving towards value-based purchasing system and becoming more efficient and effective will be crucial for healthcare providers to survive in the new reimbursement environment.
3. ICF: Evaluation and Plan of Care
Using the ICF is integral to care planning as activity restrictions and participation limitations are identified and utilized to create patient centered care plans. Improving patient-centered care is a key ingredient to optimizing patient outcomes and health.
4. ICF: Defensible Documentation
Documenting appropriate care provision is critical for clinicians to justify the care being provided is skilled, medically necessary and reasonable and necessary. Understanding the regulations and the eligibility criteria that needs to be satisfied evidenced through proper documentation are key elements that care being provided is necessary to either improve a patient’s condition and/or reduce the risk of adverse health events/outcomes.