Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2025, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (7): 745-754.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2025.00.001

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Constructing disability eligibility standards using ICF: conceptual framework, approaches and methodological systems

YANG Yaru1,2,3, QIU Zhuoying1,2(), CHEN Di1,4, WANG Zhongyan1,2(), ZHANG Meng1,5, SONG Guiyun1,6   

  1. 1. WHO-FIC Collaborating Center in China, Beijing 100068, China
    2. School of Social Development/International Center for Rehabilitation Policy and ICF Research, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266113, China
    3. College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
    4. Department of Rehabilitation Information Research, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing 100068, China
    5. Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
    6. China Rehablitation Research Center, Beijing 100068, China
  • Received:2025-03-13 Published:2025-07-25 Online:2025-07-30
  • Contact: QIU Zhuoying, E-mail: qiutiger@hotmail.com;WANG Zhongyan, E-mail: zwang@uhrs.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    China Disabled Persons' Federation Research Project(24&BZ001);The Fundamental Research Funds for Central Public Welfare Research Institutes, conducted by China Rehabilitation Science Institute(CRSI2024CZ-1);National Health Commission Hospital Management Research Institute Medical Quality (Evidence-based) Management Research Project(YLZLXZ24G032);Central High Level Hospital Clinical Research Business Expenses(2022-PUMCH-A-223);Shandong Key Research and Development Plan (Soft Science)(2023RZA01011);Shandong Key Research and Development Plan (Soft Science)(2023RZB01013)

Abstract:

Objective To construct a conceptual framework and methodology for developing disability eligibility/standard using the bio-psycho-social model of disability, and classification theory and methods of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Methods Based on the ICF's bio-psycho-social model, and aliged with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the World Health Organization technical documents in the fields of disability statistics and services, this study explored the systematic implementation of ICF to construct a conceptual framework and methodology for disability eligibility/standards, including core concepts and terminology of functioning and disability, methods and system of classification and grading, coding system, standardization of disability survey questionnaires and protocols, and assessment/evaluation tools, as well as standard system of disability data.

Results The establishment of disability standards should be based on specific application contexts and functions. Standards for surveys and statistics emphasized data collection and analysis, applied to the design of survey questionnaires and methodologies. Standards for service eligibility focused on determining service qualification through structured assessments/evaluation of functioning and disability. Comprehensive standards served both purposes. A well-rounded disability standard integrated a clear theoretical framework, scientific classification, grading and coding systems, and standardized disability reporting and evaluation/assessment methods/tools. The conceptual framework and methodological system for disability standards based on ICF comprised five core aspects: a core conceptual and terminological system for disability; disability classification and grading methods and systems; a scientifically structured classification, grading, and coding system; standardized disability reporting and assessment/evaluation methods and procedures; and standardized disability data systems. Applying ICF in practice involved systematically integrating the theoretical framework into the development of disability classification and grading systems, constructing coding systems using ICF, implementing standardized disability reporting and assessment/evaluation tools derived from the ICF, designing and standardizing disability survey instruments, questionnaires/protocols, and assessment/evaluation tools and protocols, and establishing ICF-based disability data standards.

Conclusion ICF provides a robust conceptual framework and methodology for the development of disability eligibility/standards. The bio-psycho-social model, conceptual framework and methodological approaches of classification, grading and coding of functioning and disability, and ICF-based standardized survey and assessment/evaluation tools, enable the establishment of core disability concepts and terminology, disability classification and grading systems, disability coding systems, disability survey questionnaires and protocols and assessment/evaluation tools and programs, and disability data standards. The systematic application of the ICF framework and methodology enhances the scientific rigor, inclusivity and applicability of disability eligibility/standards.

Key words: disability eligibility/standards, concepts and terminology, coding of disability, survey questionnaire, evaluation, assessment, data, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

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