The Personal Factors of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health in the literature – a systematic review and content analysis

Abstract

Purpose. This review provides an overview of the literature on the conceptualisation of the Personal Factors (PF) component of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Method. A systematic literature review was carried out. Electronic searches were performed in Pubmed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and SSCI. Qualitative content analysis of statements about PF was conducted using inductive coding.

Results. The searches yielded 353 citations, 79 papers were eligible for analyses. Five hundred thirty-eight statements about PF were extracted, condensed and coded. Beside conceptual statements, 238 examples of potential PF as well as five attempts at classifying PF were found in the literature. PF were considered in relation to clinical service provision, assessment and intervention, in research and social security contexts. PF were seen to be related to various aspects of health, functioning, disability and the environment.

Conclusions. The analysis of the literature shows that PF is seen as relevant to the application of the ICF in various settings. The review revealed a need for standardisation of PF. The literature points to the potential of PF in enhancing the understanding of functioning, disability and health, in facilitating interventions and services for people with disabilities, and strengthening the perspective of individuals in the ICF.

Keywords:

• ICF
• Personal Factors
• rehabilitation
• controlled vocabulary

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Natalia Estevez for her contribution in the early stages of this study. The authors would like to thank the members and contributors of the Functioning and Disability Reference Group of the World Health Organisation Family of International Classifications Network who have provided important feedback.