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Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
Identification of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) codes most frequently used
Idalina Maria Santos Vieira Lisboa Bordalo1,2, Carla Martins Pereira3,4, César Fonseca5
1Health Technologies, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa Comprehensive Health Research Centre, Lisbon, Portugal ims.bordalo@ensp.unl.pt.
Insights
This systematic review identified key International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) categories for child functioning. Findings emphasize participation and environmental context, supporting a biopsychosocial model for assessments and policy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Child functioning assessment requires comprehensive frameworks.
- The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) offers a standardized approach.
- Understanding commonly used ICF categories is crucial for consistent child assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize the most utilized ICF categories for describing child functioning.
- To inform the development of inclusive and context-sensitive assessment tools and policy frameworks for children.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of peer-reviewed studies utilizing ICF categories for child functioning (0-18 years).
- Searches conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL up to September 2024.
- Data extraction and synthesis followed Cochrane guidelines, using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).
Main Results:
- Eight studies with 29 ICF Core Sets (CS) were included, detailing 1665 instances and 194 unique ICF categories.
- Activities and participation (40.7%) and environmental factors (30.6%) were the most frequently reported domains.
- Key ICF chapters included learning, interpersonal interactions, support systems, and policies.
Conclusions:
- The findings indicate a shift towards a biopsychosocial model in understanding child functioning.
- Emphasis on participation and environmental context is highlighted.
- Results support the ICF framework for multidisciplinary assessments and policy development, including national functioning tables.
Objectives:
To identify and synthesise the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) categories most used to describe child functioning across health conditions, informing inclusive, context-sensitive assessments and policy frameworks.
Design:
Systematic review.
Data Sources:
PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL were searched from inception to September 2024 following Cochrane guidelines.
Eligibility Criteria:
Peer-reviewed studies using ICF categories to assess functioning in children (0-18 years), regardless of health condition, were included. Eligible designs comprised randomised controlled trials, observational and qualitative studies reporting ICF Core Set (CS).
Data Extraction And Synthesis:
Two reviewers independently conducted screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT, 2018). ICF codes were categorised by domain and synthesised narratively.
Results:
Eight studies met inclusion criteria, comprising 29 ICF CS (1665 instances; 194 unique ICF categories after deduplication). Most instances related to activities and participation (40.7%) and environmental factors (30.6%), followed by body functions (27.3%) and body structures (1.4%). Key chapters included learning and applying knowledge, interpersonal interactions, support and relationships and services and policies.
Conclusions:
Findings highlight a shift towards a biopsychosocial model of child functioning, emphasising participation and environmental context. Results support use of the ICF framework in multidisciplinary assessment and policy development and inform development of a Portuguese National Functioning Table for Children.
Prospero Registration Number:
CRD42024588533.
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