Application of the ICF and ICF Core Sets for Osteoporosis to Rehabilitation

Background: ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) represents a classification which considers the domains function, structure, activity and participation as well as the patient's contextual factors. The health disorder osteoporosis belongs to the 10 most frequent diseases worldwide. However, it's functional problems are often underestimated. Objective: To describe how to use the ICF as a global language for functioning and health in the rehabilitation of patients with osteoporosis. Methods: The ICF research branch of the WHO CC FIC (World Health Organisation Collaborating Center for the Family of International Classifications at the German Institute of Medical Documentation and Information, DIMDI) at the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich developed a first version of Comprehensive and Brief ICF Core Sets for osteoporosis. Results: The Comprehensive ICF Core Set for osteoporosis deals with 69 categories, the Brief ICF Core Set with 11. These ICF Core Sets can support the documentation within the scope of the anamnesis and can be used as well to monitor the progression. The registration of ICF Core Sets in an ICF model sheet helps to recognize the connection between impaired body function and structures, activity and participation as well as their correlation with personal and environmental factors. Conclusion: The introduction of ICF Core Sets for osteoporosis can promote the understanding of the consequences of this disease. The interdisciplinary collaboration in the health system can be improved by the application of the ICF Core Sets.