Applying the WHO international classification of functioning, disability and health in nursing assessment of population health

Abstract

Classification systems constitute an important contribution to nursing practice, as they provide standardized frameworks for communication between nurses and other healthcare professionals. International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a unified and standardized language, as well as a working structure, for the description of health and health-related states. This paper aims to describe some of the available classifications used in nursing practice and to identify the potential value provided by the application of the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health by all healthcare professionals. With this purpose, a concept analysis was conducted. The relevant nursing classifications were analyzed and related evidence on the use of ICF classification was reviewed to provide a discussion on the application of ICF in nursing practice. The use of ICF could be beneficial in different areas of nursing practice, as it provides a more comprehensive framework to classify nursing outcomes and interventions, improving areas such as interprofessional communication and optimization of care. Although there is published evidence on the use of ICF core sets, further research is needed on this area.