Using ICF and ICHI to promote sexual health

Abstract

Abstract: Sexual health is an important but often neglected field in health and welfare practice. Using structured documentation in a systematic work process can promote sexual health care including rehabilitation. Objectives: To present an overview of the usefulness of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI) concerning sexual health in the care process, in the electronic health record (EHR) and for follow-up of results. Using experience from practice and research to identify relevant information in health care processes related to sexual health, which are coded by using ICF and ICHI. The ICF and ICHI can be useful tools to describe functioning, patient´s goals, results, planned and performed interventions for investigation, treatment, prevention, and follow-up at individual level in care processes concerning sexual health with unified and unambiguous terms, concepts, and codes in the EHR. Using the ICF and ICHI can support improvement of individual sexual health care including rehabilitation, and also support follow-up and quality management at local to global level within the domain of sexual health.

Keywords:

• Sexuality
• documentation
• classifications
• information
• health promotion

PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT

This article presents an overview of the usefulness of WHO:s international health-related classifications concerning sexual health in structured electronic health records. Sexual health is a topic, which is insufficiently addressed in health care, which can lead to decreased health. The use of classifications and structured documentation can be a useful tool to assist health care professionals in addressing sexual health in their clinical practice, follow-up and thus promote and rehabilitate sexual health for patients.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no direct funding for this research.

Notes on contributors

K Areskoug Josefsson

Sexual health is a topic, which is insufficiently addressed in health care. In addition, health care professionals often lack competence and training on how to document issues concerning sexual health. WHO:s health-related classifications can be used to assist health care professionals in promoting and rehabilitating sexual health. This article presents how WHO:s classifications can be used as tools in clinical practice, such as in structured documentation of electronic health records, tools that can be enabling when addressing sexual health. The authors’ field of research is in improving health and welfare, and this article is connected to educational intervention projects to improve health care professionals´ ability to promote and rehabilitate sexual health in their clinical practice. But also, to increase the possibilities to compare data at local as well as global level about sexual health.