Rethinking disability assessment: Shift to a functioning-based model

Aim: To analyze the development and implementation of the new framework for assessing the functional status of disability in Ukraine, and to evaluate the results of the first year of the new system's operation.

Materials and Methods: Sociological method was used. The Ministry of Health has published an analytical report on the results of the first year of work by the expert teams assessing a person's daily functioning from January 1, 2025. Before the reform, the system was based on 328 commissions and 1267 doctors. In contrast, after the reform, more than 7000 physicians were involved in all regions of Ukraine. More than 1,300 expert teams have been formed, making more than 554000 decisions in a yearStatistical analysis included descriptive statistics of indicators. Statistical processing and graphical visualisation of the data were performed using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Excel for Microsoft 365 MSO, version 2603, build 16.0.19822.20086, 64-bit).

Results: A new system focused on assessing functioning has been introduced into clinical practice. A comprehensive legal framework was developed, and the Center for Assessment of the Functional State of a Person was established in 2025. The system includes over 1300 expert teams and approximately 7000 doctors, operates nationwide, and is highly digitized via the Diia platform. Initial results show increased transparency, accessibility, and user satisfaction.

Conclusions: The reform aligns with international standards and represents a systemic step toward rights-based disability assessment. However, further improvements are needed in regulatory support, institutional capacity, digital infrastructure, and consistent law enforcement.