Development of ICF core set for disability evaluation in social security.

Area of Science:

• Social Security Medicine
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Disability claims in European social security systems require standardized functional assessments.
• The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a framework for such assessments.

Framework:

• Development of an ICF core set for functional assessment in disability claims.
• Focus on body functions and activities and participation domains.

Implementation:

• A formal decision-making process involving national meetings and a European working group (EUMASS) was employed.
• A consensus was reached through a voting procedure, selecting 20 ICF categories from 191 suggestions.

Implications:

• The developed ICF core set is intended for medical doctors evaluating long-term disability benefits.
• Further development of specific ICF core sets is needed for short-term sickness absence, return to work, and vocational rehabilitation.
• The utility of ICF qualifiers for assessing functioning levels in disability claims requires further investigation.