ICF tools are developed to support the use of a common language and understanding of functioning and disability among multidisciplinary teams working with rehabilitation of patients experiencing or likely to experience disability.

ICF tools can be implemented to facilitate the description of individuals' functioning, improve the planning of functioning-oriented rehabilitation services and evaluate changes in the functioning status over a certain time period.

ICF tools can be used over the entire spectrum of health conditions and by all health and other professionals in the treatment of patients to encourage multidisciplinary teamwork.

Figure 1:      The Steps of the Rehab-Cycle

Rehabilitation management can be characterized by a problem-solving approach. One such approach based on the ICF is the rehabilitation cycle, also called Rehab Cycle, with its four-step approach of assessment, assignment, intervention and evaluation. The Rehab Cycle facilitates the structuring, organization and documentation of the rehabilitation process. It enables all professionals involved in patient care to coordinate their actions.

ICF tools can be integrated into these steps of the structured approach of the Rehab Cycle as shown in the table below. 

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