14-2 Implementation of the ICF Model in the Israeli Rehabilitation System
Implementation of the ICF Model in the Israeli Rehabilitation System Ten Years after its Publication: The Case of Physical Therapy Services
Dr. Tamar Jacob
Background: The World Health Organization published The International Classification of Function and Health (ICF) a decade ago. The extent to which the model has been implemented in rehabilitation units and in physical therapy departments around the world and in Israel is unknown.
Goals: To describe the extent to which the ICF has been implemented by physical therapy services in Israel.
Methods: An online survey was performed among physical therapy managers at rehabilitation units in Israel. Rehabilitation units were grouped into three categories: general, geriatric and pediatric. Data, collected by semi-structured questionnaires, included questions about ICF implementation, its strengths and its weaknesses.
Results: Twenty two of the managers (88%) completed the questionnaires. The majority were familiar with the ICF model and nearly two thirds reported that it was partially implemented in their units. The implementation was restricted mainly to the adoption of biopsychosocial concepts and to the use of the ICF terms. The model was not implemented as a patient profile form, as a tool for presenting patients in staff meeting, for reports, for encoding or for assessment. Most participants were willing to receive further guidance in the use and implementation of the ICF.
Conclusions: Physical therapy managers are familiar with the ICF model and interested in learning more about it. However, its implementation in the clinic is very limited.
Recommendations: For further implementation of the model, the World Health Organization should plan clinical and administrative educational programs for various medical and health professions.
Key words: ICF, biopsychosocial model; rehabilitation, physical therapy, World Health Organization.