The use of ICF in the neurorehabilitation process

Rehabilitation is often described as a process that starts when the diagnosis is made and continues as long as the person needs interventions. This process comprises four steps: assessment, goal setting, interventions and outcome measurement. In each step, the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) can be used and the results can be summarized in a rehabilitation plan.

In this brief review, we describe the use of the ICF in the neurorehabilitation process in the form of an ICF based rehabilitation plan and how the rehabilitation plan can facilitate interdisciplinary team work in each of the four steps that comprise the rehabilitation process.

An ICF based rehabilitation plan that comprises a common language, understood by team members, patients and their family, is a valuable tool in the rehabilitation of persons with injuries and diseases to the nervous system. The use of the ICF has thereby enabled the development of a common framework for our neurorehabilitation methodology, regardless of diagnosis or disability.