International Classification of Functioning (ICF)

International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) can provide a comprehensive approach to improving the health and well-being of individuals, especially those with disabilities or chronic conditions. The ICF, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), offers a framework for understanding and measuring health, functioning, disability, and environmental factors. By incorporating health literacy into this framework, we can empower individuals to better manage their health in the context of their physical, mental, and social environments.

Introduction

What is the ICF?

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) is a biopsychosocial model that emphasizes how people live with health conditions. It provides a comprehensive view of functioning and disability as influenced by both individual and environmental factors. The ICF is divided into:

Body Functions and Structures: Physiological and anatomical functions or impairments.
Activities: Execution of tasks or actions (e.g., walking, talking).
Participation: Involvement in life situations (e.g., work, social engagement).
Environmental Factors: External influences on functioning (e.g., physical environment, social support, policies).
Personal Factors: Individual characteristics that influence functioning (e.g., motivation, socioeconomic status).

This workshop will provide an overview of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework, classification, and utility across disciplines and settings. Developed by the World Health Organization and endorsed by the United Nations, the ICF has increasingly been implemented in countries worldwide for special education, clinical practice, data collection, and policy determination. The ICF emphasizes the importance of functional status rather than diagnosis, and this shift has been adopted in countries as a better measure of ability/disability for eligibility and benefits determination. This workshop will explain fundamental concepts from the ICF including the bio-psychosocial model of disability. The ICF structure and coding will be explained including body functions/structures, activities and participation, and the environment. Current and potential applications of the ICF across diverse groups, clinical settings, and other areas will be discussed. Finally, participants at the end of the workshop will have the opportunity to practice using the classification and coding with cases.

About the workshop

Workshop Detail

Describe how the ICF framework enhances the understanding of disability as a dynamic, interaction of the person in his/her environment;
Explain how the ICF's emphasis on functional status, rather than diagnosis is a better mechanism for understanding the impact of impairment on individual's lives;
Explain how the ICF improves disabilities and health status indicators and measures;
Explain how the ICF facilitates more appropriate, effective, sustainable services through research on case studies and surveys.

Target Audience

Allied health professionals, nurses, clinicians and practitioners across disciplines

Duration of Workshop

12 Hours

About the Trainers

Dr. Alakananda Banerjee

Dr Alakananda Banerjee, Founder Chairperson of Dharma Foundation of India. She is the pioneer of ICF education in India

Prashant Naik, Professor and head Dept of Community Physiotherapy, working at Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University school of Physiotherapy Sangli Maharashtra. I have been trained as WHO FIC expert. I am associated with Dharma Foundation of India & ICF since 2019. I have been part of the ICF workshops conducted at various institutions as a facilitator. I have extensively used ICF in research and have completed around 10 studies using ICF.

Dr. Robins Kumar

Dr. Prashant Naik

Dr. Snehal Dharmayat

Dr. Gayathri Poojari

Dr. Suverna Ganvir

Dr. Snehal Dharmayat, Pediatric Physiotherapist, Founder and Chief Consultant, PhysioKey, Belagavi. I was formerly associated with KAHER Institute of Physiotherapy as Associate Professor and Head, Department of Community Physiotherapy (2018-2023). She is Certified ICF Facilitator from the WHO-Dutch Collaborating Center. I have been awarded the Karnataka State Best NSS Program Officer (Female) for the year 2018-19 for my work in the community

Prof Suvarna Ganvir , Professor and Head Dept of Neurophysiotherapy , working at Physiotherapy College in Maharashtra. I have been trained as WHO FIC expert. I have been a part of Dharma Foundation of India working in the field of ICF in India since 2015 and trained Students and staff in various Physiotherapy institutes. I have a keen interest in developing coresets related to neurological conditions.

Dr. Gayathri, an Assistant Professor at the College of Physiotherapy, Dayananda Sagar University, Bangalore. With a specialization in Community Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, I have dedicated my career to bridging healthcare gaps in underserved communities. I also hold an ICF Facilitators certification from the Dutch Collaboration Center, which has enriched my approach to rehabilitation.

He is certified as an International Classification of Functioning (ICF) Facilitator by WHO FIC-CC Dutch. His scholarly work includes the publication of numerous papers in both national and international journals. He is the founder of Robins Physiocare-An Ortho and Neuro Rehab Clinic. Additionally, he serves as the Co-Founder of Dharma Foundation of India- a National Trust dedicated to enhancing Health Literacy Programme throughout India.

silver corded microphone in shallow focus photography

ICF Workshop

1. Collaborating Partner with CBHI (Central Bueuro of Health Intelligence) - A Member of WHO-FIC

2. Online international ICF Workshop for Al-Qassimi Women and Children Hospital, Sharjah

3. First International ICF Symposium- Chandigarh

Organised first ICF International Workshop and Symposium in India with collaboration of Chandigarh Medical College and Hospital, Mental Health Institute, Chandigarh . This symposium was held in the hybrid mode and was attended by 140 students and faculty of nursing, physicians and allied health sciences from all over India .

Speakers from 8 countries participated as speakers

· South Africa
· Netherland
· Denmark
· Chile
· Australia
· US
· Sri Lanka
· Canada

4. ICF Workshop for Delhi Govenment School-Training of Trainer (Delhi Government & WHO India)

"Capacity building for developing Individual Care plan for children with disabilities in Government schools in Delhi_ Training of Trainers"

35 special educators of Delhi Government schools were given ICF Education to make Individual Care Plan for special children. This programme was conducted under Delhi Government and WHO India held as part of G20 summit in New Delhi.

5. Dayananad Sagar University, Bangalore

Dayanand Sagar University with 55 faculty and students of College of Physiotherapy, Dayanand Sagar University ,Bangalore, Karnataka participated in this 3 day workshop.

6. Mahatma Gandhi Mission, Aurangabad

International ICF Workshop with participation of International faculty at Mahatma Gandhi Mission Institute of Physiotherapy Aurangabad, Maharashtra, 65 faculty and students of the college participated in this 2 day workshop.