• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.16 no.4
• /
• pp.33-44
• /
• 2021

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the research trends related to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) to suggest an ICF utilization plan in the Korean clinical field. METHODS: In the RISS, KISS, NSDL, and PubMed databases, papers published between 2016 and July 2021 were collected by applying the search terms, 'ICF', 'international classification of functioning, disability and health', 'clinic', 'patient', and 'diagno'. The 44 papers selected were classified according to the analysis criteria, and the frequency and percentage were calculated. RESULTS: In domestic clinical trials, the frequency of ICF-related studies was in the order of physical therapy (n = 19) and occupational therapy (n = 14). The frequency of each study subject was observed in the order of studies related to a specific disease (n = 34) and prior studies (n = 7). The research topics were in the order of studies using ICF as a measurement tool (n = 21) and case studies with patients with specific diseases (n = 11). There were 18 studies using ICF codes and 14 papers applying the ICF domains. CONCLUSION: Over the last five years, ICF-related research in the domestic clinical field targeted patients with more diverse diseases in more expertise fields. Research for the unification of terms should be conducted for communication among various experts in clinical practice. To promote the use of ICF in the clinical field, it will be necessary to conduct research, such as the unification of terms, standardized education, development of ICF casebook, and development of ICF coding programs and guidelines.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.65-80
• /
• 2021

PURPOSE: This study was conducted as a literature review to analyze the research trends related to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in Korea from 2015 to 2020. METHODS: Precedent studies were searched with the search term "ICF" or "international classification of functioning, disability and health" from the databases of RISS, KISS, DBpia, and Pubmed. The inclusion criteria are that the studies have been carried out in Korea from 2015 to 2020 using ICF by researchers consisting of one or more Koreans and have been peer-reviewed. RESULTS: Of the total 269 studies, 107 that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. It was found that these studies were published at a similar frequency each year. The most common area of expertise was identified as the clinical area (n = 67), followed by special education (n = 21) and social welfare (n = 13). The study subject groups were mostly patients (n = 39), disabled people (n = 25), and related experts (n = 13). The most common research topic was functioning evaluation (n = 49) and followed by a literature review (n = 29), and the most frequently used components in all the areas of expertise were activity and participation (n = 98), body function and structure (n = 73), and environmental factors (n = 61). CONCLUSION: For the past six years, domestic ICF-related research has been conducted in a wider range of expertise areas on more subdivised subject groups. Continuous research, development of standardized curricula and contents, and development of coding tools are considered to be important in vitalizing the use of the ICF.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.18 no.3
• /
• pp.121-133
• /
• 2023

PURPOSE: Computerization using ICF as a protocol can enhance the assessment, communication, and decision-making of various disciplines and cultures, individual functions, disabilities and health to promote communication and understanding among various professionals, organizations, and countries. The empirical foundation for these propositions was provided by delineating of six distinct computerization components. METHODS: This study analyzed 14 papers that combined the medical field and information technology to activate the ICF through computerization. From each of these papers, distinctive advantages were extracted to propose six computerization elements. The validity of these computerization elements was examined. These papers encompass various computerization elements, among which core elements were identified. In particular, six common core elements were extracted from these papers and assumed to be strategic computerization components for ICF activation. A heuristic methodology was employed to validate these components, representing IT technology maturity using four determining indices, which were then presented graphically for validation attempts. RESULTS: Four quantified indices were defined: reliability, cost-effectiveness, support and updates, and collaboration. Using these indices, this study identified elements that leverage existing IT technologies and require new development. The possibility of increasing utility was identified by applying computerization to ICF. CONCLUSION: This study examined the strategic elements of utilizing ICF by computerizing it using a protocol concept and discussed its potential for utilization. The potential to enhance the value of information in social, physical, and cultural contexts was presented by integrating various domains and data within the ICF framework.