Article

This paper seeks to contribute to thoughtful description, recording and
measurement of functioning,
by discussing some fundamental questions to consider
before starting, framed as: why, what, how and who. METHOD: Generic literature on
measurement methods and the more specialised literature on application of the ICF
over the last decade inform the consideration of these questions. The context of
recording or measurement is examined, including the moral and legal framework of
the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the
technical framework of the International Classification of Functioning,
Disability and Health (ICF). RESULTS: Whatever the setting in which describing,
recording or measuring is being undertaken - in policy development, service
planning and management, clinical management or population health monitoring -
determining the purpose is the key starting point. Purpose (why) frames the
consideration of content (what), method (how) and source (who). Many generic
measurement methods can be applied in the disability field, but there are
challenges particular to the field. The perspectives of people with disabilities
and "patients" require consideration, especially with the trend to person-centred
care and the social justice principles emanating from the UNCRPD. CONCLUSIONS:
Considering these basic questions is a pre-requisite to meaningful recording and
measurement of functioning and disability. Future challenges include:
incorporating environmental factors into measurement; setting thresholds on the
disability spectrum; and combining the views of the person concerned with those
of various professionals.

Langue : ANGLAIS