In 2001, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) introduced the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (“ICF”), with an aim to provide an unified and standardized language and framework for describing health conditions and health-related states.
The framework of the ICF emphasizes that the health status of an individual should not only be considered from medical perspective (such as body functions and structures), but should also take into account social factors (such as activities and participation, environmental factors, etc). The ICF is a classification system that works across cultures, ages and genders. It is applicable to various rehabilitation therapies, services and policies. In the Asia-Pacific region, China, Australia, Taiwan and Japan have already taken the lead in applying ICF in different areas of interventions.
The Joint Council established the “Working Group on ICF” (“the Working Group”) in 2022 to facilitate the sector’s understanding on ICF system and explore the possibility of its application in Hong Kong. The Working Group organized “Training Series on ICF” in May 2023, including one and a half day sharing session on “Understanding ICF from the Service Users’ Perspective” and a workshop on “Understanding ICF and Exploring Case Applications”. The Joint Council invited representatives from the Census and Statistics Department, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and various rehabilitation organizations as guest speakers to introduce the ICF system and share their experiences in applying the ICF system in service provision.
Date: May 6, 2023
Number of participants: 200
Objectives:
- To understand ICF system
- To understand cases of application of ICF system on rehabilitation services
- To understand the benefits and challenges of applying ICF system to service users and parents
- To raise awareness on the impacts of ICF system on rehabilitation services
Moderator: Ms CHEUNG Sin Chun, Centre-in-charge, Employment Services Centre of Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association
| Welcome remarks | Ms. Rabi YIM Vice-chairperson the Joint Council |
| Dr Joseph YEUNG Registered Physiotherapist |
| Dr. Phyllis WONG Assistant Professor Department of Social Work The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
| Mr. Tony CHAN Service Manager Ms NG Ngan Social Worker Fu Hong Society |
| Conclusion | Ms. Rabi YIM Vice-chairperson the Joint Council |
Date: May 13, 2023
Number of participants: 350
Objectives:
- To further understand the application of ICF in rehabilitation services
- To increase the confidence of applying ICF in service provision
- To pay ongoing attention on the development of ICF on rehabilitation policies and services
Moderators:
Mr. TSANG Kin Ping, Vice Chairperson of the Joint Council;
Mr. NG Hang Sau, Convener of the Working Group
| Welcome remarks |
Mr. Benny CHEUNG Chairperson the Joint Council |
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Prof. Margaret MAK Associate Dean Faculty of Health & Social Sciences The Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
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Dr. Phyllis WONG Senior Lecturer Department of Social Work The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
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Ms Joyce LAW Senior Manager Mr. Dino HUNG Physiotherapist SAHK Ms. Pandora WANG Programme Director Mr. LEE Yin Kin Therapist Supervisor Christian Family Services Centre |
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Mr. Eddie KWOK Mr. LUN Ming Chung Census and Statistics Department |
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Ms Sheila YIP Heep Hong Society Mr. Frank Hung Hong Kong Red Cross Princess Alexandra School |
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Mr. Mike CHEUNG Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation Ms Jasmine AU Hong Kong PHAB Association |
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Ms NG Ngan Mr. Matthew NG Fu Hong Society |
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Ms. Pandora WANG Programme Director Mr. LEE Yin Kin Therapist Supervisor Christian Family Services Centre Mr N Chi Wah The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong |
To facilitate the widespread application of the ICF system in Hong Kong, the Joint Council established the “Working Group of Standardized Assessment Tool for ICF” in 2024. Over 20 rehabilitation organizations participated in the Working Group. By taking reference to ICF framework and coding system, the Joint Council hopes to set up a standardized assessment tool in collaboration with allied health professionals and other relevant parties, as to ensure that appropriate services and support are rendered to people with disabilities.