A Conceptual Definition of Vocational Rehabilitation Based on the ICF: Building a Shared Global Model

Abstract

Background The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is a conceptual framework and classification system by the World Health Organization (WHO) to understand functioning. The objective of this discussion paper is to offer a conceptual definition for vocational rehabilitation (VR) based on the ICF. Method We presented the ICF as a model for application in VR and the rationale for the integration of the ICF. We also briefly reviewed other work disability models. Results Five essential elements of foci were found towards a conceptual definition of VR: an engagement or re-engagement to work, along a work continuum, involved health conditions or events leading to work disability, patient-centered and evidence-based, and is multi-professional or multidisciplinary.Conclusions VR refers to a multi-professional approach that is provided to individuals of working age with health-related impairments, limitations, or restrictions with work functioning and whose primary aim is to optimize work participation. We propose that the ICF and VR interface be explored further using empirical and qualitative works and encouraging stakeholders' participation.

Cognition and return to work after mild/moderate traumatic brain injury: A systematic review

“…In addition, articles were selected only if the study samples were adults between 18 and 65 years of age. This age range was applied because work is considered an adult occupation and vocational services were typically provided, in practice, to individuals of working age [30]. Studies related to acquired brain injury (ABI) were also selected for review if the study's sample included individuals with TBI.…”

Tangible mixed reality for remote design review: a study understanding user perception and acceptance

“…Methods of sharing virtual product representations over the web and a number of CAD-integrated shared workspaces have been presented in the scientific literature for distributed design review (Hou et al, 2008;Hren and Jezernik, 2009). Shared VR-based environments have also been used to support interactive collaboration in product design review (Escorpizo et al, 2011;Liang et al, 2013). Most of the reported research activities focus on providing collaboration tools for specific phases of the product development process.…”

Survey of Patient-Reported Questionnaires Using the ICF as a Reference: An Illustration Using the ICF Core Set for Vocational Rehabilitation

“…VR can be briefly defined as an approach provided to participants to optimise work participation [7]. It applies to patients with various health conditions, which can include mental, musculoskeletal and neurological health conditions and settings [8][9][10].…”

“…The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) [11] by the World Health Organization (WHO) is a unifying framework to describe the functioning of individuals in VR [5,7]. VR is a multifaceted specialty in rehabilitation and occupational medicine, and the ICF possesses the ability to encompass many of those facets using the ICF's comprehensive set of domains [5,7].…”

“…VR is a multifaceted specialty in rehabilitation and occupational medicine, and the ICF possesses the ability to encompass many of those facets using the ICF's comprehensive set of domains [5,7]. Moreover, the ICF was developed as a universal classification which can be applied to various cultures and health systems [5].…”