Measuring participation according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)

Abstract

Purpose: To report which existing survey instruments assess participation according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Method: A literature search for relevant survey instruments was conducted. Subsequently, survey instruments were evaluated of which the complete questionnaire, published in the English language, was obtained. Items on participation were evaluated according to the ICF, defined as involvement in life situations, including being autonomous to some extent or being able to control your own life.

Results and conclusions: Eleven survey instruments were identified, of which nine were evaluated on participation. All of the nine instruments measure participation to some extent. The two instruments closest to solely involve items on participation level are the Perceived Handicap Questionnaire (PHQ) and the London Handicap Scale (LHS). The PHQ is measuring the perception of participation. In the LHS, the items are formulated in terms of participation, while the response categories include all components of the ICF, from problems in body function to participation. Much more discussion is needed to be able to get an unambiguous picture to distinguish between activity and participation.