Article

There is a need to develop a contemporary and internationally accepted conceptual
description of physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM).
The process of
evolving such a definition can now rely on the unifying conceptual model and
taxonomy of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and
Health (ICF) and an ICF-based conceptual description of rehabilitation understood
as a health strategy. The PRM section of the European Union of Medical
Specialists (UEMS) has endorsed the application of the ICF as a unifying
conceptual model for PRM and supports the process of moving towards an "ICF-based
conceptual description and according definitions of PRM". With this goal in mind,
the authors have developed a first tentative conceptual description in
co-operation with the professional practice committee of the UEMS-PRM-section. A
respective brief definition describes PRM as the medical specialty that, based on
the assessment of functioning and including the diagnosis and treatment of health
conditions, performs, applies and co-ordinates biomedical and engineering and a
wide range of other interventions with the goal of optimizing functioning of
people experiencing or likely to experience disability. Readers of the Journal of
Rehabilitation Medicine are invited to contribute to the process of achieving an
internationally accepted ICF-based conceptual description of PRM by submitting
commentaries to the Editor of this journal.

Langue : ANGLAIS