The ICF model

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a framework to provide a standard language across all health systems, diagnoses and countries.

It maps an extensive set of considerations with regards to body functions and structures, activities and participation, and how these interact with environmental and personal factors.

The ICF framework was developed with the aim of shifting discussions from a medical model focused on diagnosis and disability, to one highlighting the social model with function as its primary purpose.