Introduction

International Classification of Function (ICF) is akin to the International Classification of Disease (ICD) used to classify diseases and mortality, but concentrates on health and combines psychosocial as well as biological theory. The two are interrelated and complimentary. The ICF has been designed for use in all member countries of the World Health Organisation so the concepts are broader than just those that might be used in the ‘West'.

The ICF can be used at a variety of levels – from assessing individuals through to allowing comparisons across countries and cultures. It can also be used to inform public policy and as a research tool