Identification of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) codes most frequently used to describe functioning in children: a systematic review - Report - MDSpire

Identification of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) codes most frequently used to describe functioning in children: a systematic review

  • By

  • Idalina Maria Santos Vieira Lisboa Bordalo

  • Carla Martins Pereira

  • César Fonseca

  • Isabel Bico

  • June 19, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Analysis of Commonly Utilized ICF Codes for Child Functioning

Overview

This systematic review identifies the most frequently used International Classification of Functioning (ICF) categories for describing child functioning across various health conditions.

Background

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework is essential for understanding child functioning in a holistic manner, considering biological, psychological, and social factors. This systematic review addresses the limited synthesis of commonly applied ICF categories in pediatric research.

Data Highlights

ICF DomainPercentage
Activities and Participation40.7%
Environmental Factors30.6%
Body Functions27.3%
Body Structures1.4%

Key Findings

  • Eight studies met the inclusion criteria for the review.
  • A total of 29 ICF Core Sets were identified, with 1665 instances of ICF categories.
  • After deduplication, 194 unique ICF categories were reported.
  • The most frequently cited ICF categories were related to activities and participation and environmental factors.
  • Key chapters included learning and applying knowledge, interpersonal interactions, and support and relationships.

Clinical Implications

The findings support the integration of the ICF framework in multidisciplinary assessments and policy development for children. This approach facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of child functioning across various health conditions.

Conclusion

The review highlights a shift towards a biopsychosocial model in understanding child functioning, emphasizing the importance of participation and environmental context. These insights are valuable for informing inclusive assessment practices.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  2. Clinical Rheumatology — Global Framework for Functioning, Disability, and Health Classification
  3. Frontiers in Neurology — Factors Influencing Poor Communication Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Multivariate Analysis
  4. JMIR Medical Informatics — Mining and Mapping 25 Years of Medication Use in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Contact-Level Descriptive Analysis of Electronic Health Records
  5. Frontiers in Pediatrics — Beyond Functional Independence: Symptom Burden and Emotional Difficulties in Pediatric Long COVID — A Cross-Sectional Exploratory Study
  6. International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)
  7. MODULE ON CHILD FUNCTIONING
  8. The Gestalt of functioning in autism revisited: First revision of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets - Sven Bölte, Lovisa Alehagen, Melissa H Black, John Hasslinger, Elina Wessman, Karl Lundin Remnélius, Peter B Marschik, Emily D’Arcy, Susanna Crowson, Megan Freeth, Andreas Seidel, Sonya Girdler, Eric Zander, 2024

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