Using WHO’s ICF Model on Service Needs of Patients with Pneumoconiosis

Abstract

In this chapter, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model of the World Health Organization (WHO) was used as a framework to construct a survey for the assessment of satisfaction of needs for a group of pneumoconiosis patients in Hong Kong. The results illustrated that the ICF model can be a useful tool to describe the service needs and reflect the needs satisfaction among these patients. The ICF model expanded the areas of concern for patients and practitioners to include domains such as pulmonary functions and physical fitness, as well as health services, policies, and systems, support and relationships with family members, and recreation and leisure. The findings of the survey could guide future service development of the agency in the areas of participation and activity.