260854 Painting a Conceptual Picture of Disability: Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to examine disability measures and programs

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 : 11:11 AM - 11:29 AM

Diane Brandt, PT, MS, PhD , Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Section, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Pei-Shu Ho, PhD , Clinical Research Center, Rehabilitation Medicine Department, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Elizabeth K. Rasch, PT, PhD , Clinical Research Center, Rehabilitation Medicine Department, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Leighton Chan, MD, MPH , Clinical Research Center, Rehabilitation Medicine Department, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Disability research, policies and programs are plagued by varied conceptual models, terminology and approaches to measurement (Altman, 2009). Varied conceptual and definitional perspectives shape the rationale, approach and use of disability data collected. Inconsistency in disability programs and measurement are reified in policies and programs that touch the lives of millions of individuals in the United States. Unfortunately, we know little about the variation of content coverage of disability measured across programs and surveys. Our goal is to use the ICF as a single conceptual lens to examine features of varied disability programs and disability measurement.

As a classification scheme premised upon a biopsychosocial model of disability, the ICF provides a single lens through which federal programs can be examined relative to the consistent and comprehensive use of contemporary conceptual components of disability in programmatic processes. Using the domains and associated sub-domains of the ICF components, we have coded key terms of the SSA disability application forms; the SSA Listings, criteria used in determining disability outcomes; and, examined five national surveys capturing data on disability. A manual parsing method was used to link key terms to ICF domains of functioning. Of the four primary components of the ICF (body structure, body functions, activities/participation and environment) our preliminary findings suggest that activity /participation and environmental factors are less likely to be captured in various programs and surveys. Outcomes of this effort create a picture of disability by clarifying conceptual components captured and identifying conceptual gaps.

Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to: 1) describe the utility of applying a single, conceptual lens to examine national programs and surveys; 2) discuss approaches to using the ICF as a descriptive tool; 3) identify outcomes and limitations of the approach; 4) evaluate the importance and relevance of this work for programs, measurement and policy, particularly disability policy and programs; and, 5) indicate areas of future research

Keywords: Disability, Disability Policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: In addition to extensive experience as a physical therapist, I have a PhD in political science specializing in public/health policy. I have used the ICF to conceptually examine the SSA disability programs and disability questions on national surveys.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.