Use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health to support goal-setting practices in pediatric rehabilitation: a rapid review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (referred to as the ICF) is the World Health Organization’s framework for health. It can be used to identify goals that capture all aspects of a person’s life and to inform clinical goal-setting processes. This review aims to report how healthcare providers are using the ICF framework to support goal-setting practices in pediatric rehabilitation services.

Methods

A rapid review was conducted using scoping review principles in the following databases: CINAHL, Medline and PsycINFO. Key terms included: “ICF”, “goal-setting” and “pediatrics”.

Results

Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Three main themes emerged about the use of the ICF in pediatric rehabilitation: 1) match the content of goals to the ICF domains; 2) implement with existing tools for goal-setting; and 3) inform the development of new tools for goal-setting. Healthcare providers often use a combination of goal-setting tools. The SMART approach is used to frame goals, while the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and Goal Attainment Scale have been used to document and evaluate goals.

Conclusion

The ICF framework can be used with current goal-setting practices and offers a common lens and language with which to facilitate collaborative goal-setting with families and healthcare providers.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a common framework and language to support collaborative goal-setting between families and healthcare providers

• Despite the opportunity for the ICF to be used as a framework with goal-setting approaches, to date the ICF has mainly been used to match the content of goals to ICF domains for documentation purposes

• The ICF should be incorporated into the established clinical routines in order to promote its use among healthcare providers

• The ICF can be used with existing goal-setting tools in clinical practice and to inform the ongoing development of new tools to support the goal-setting process in family-centred services

Keywords:

• International Classification of Functioning
• Disability and Health
• goal-setting
• disability
• pediatrics
• family-centred care
• health services research