Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 2/2011

01-06-2011

A Conceptual Definition of Vocational Rehabilitation Based on the ICF: Building a Shared Global Model

Authors: Reuben Escorpizo, Michiel F. Reneman, Jan Ekholm, Julie Fritz, Terry Krupa, Sven-Uno Marnetoft, Claude E. Maroun, Julietta Rodriguez Guzman, Yoshiko Suzuki, Gerold Stucki, Chetwyn C. H. Chan

Published in: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation | Issue 2/2011

Login to get access

Abstract

Background The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is a conceptual framework and classification system by the World Health Organization (WHO) to understand functioning. The objective of this discussion paper is to offer a conceptual definition for vocational rehabilitation (VR) based on the ICF. Method We presented the ICF as a model for application in VR and the rationale for the integration of the ICF. We also briefly reviewed other work disability models. Results Five essential elements of foci were found towards a conceptual definition of VR: an engagement or re-engagement to work, along a work continuum, involved health conditions or events leading to work disability, patient-centered and evidence-based, and is multi-professional or multidisciplinary. Conclusions VR refers to a multi-professional approach that is provided to individuals of working age with health-related impairments, limitations, or restrictions with work functioning and whose primary aim is to optimize work participation. We propose that the ICF and VR interface be explored further using empirical and qualitative works and encouraging stakeholders’ participation.
Literature
2.
go back to reference World Health Organization. Workers’ health: global plan of action. 60th World Assembly. WHA60.26. 2007. World Health Organization. Workers’ health: global plan of action. 60th World Assembly. WHA60.26. 2007.
3.
go back to reference World Health Organization. International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health: ICF. Geneva, Switzerland; 2001. World Health Organization. International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health: ICF. Geneva, Switzerland; 2001.
4.
go back to reference Gobelet C, Franchignoni F. Vocational rehabilitation. Paris: Springer; 2006. Gobelet C, Franchignoni F. Vocational rehabilitation. Paris: Springer; 2006.
5.
go back to reference Ellenbogen PS, Meade MA, Jackson MN, Barrett K. The impact of spinal cord injury on the employment of family caregivers. J Vocat Rehabil. 2006;25(1):35–44. Ellenbogen PS, Meade MA, Jackson MN, Barrett K. The impact of spinal cord injury on the employment of family caregivers. J Vocat Rehabil. 2006;25(1):35–44.
6.
go back to reference Boden LI. Running on empty: families, time, and workplace injuries. Am J Public Health. 2005;95(11):1894–7.PubMedCrossRef Boden LI. Running on empty: families, time, and workplace injuries. Am J Public Health. 2005;95(11):1894–7.PubMedCrossRef
7.
go back to reference Williams RM, Westmorland M. Perspectives on workplace disability management: a review of the literature. Work. 2002;19(1):87–93.PubMed Williams RM, Westmorland M. Perspectives on workplace disability management: a review of the literature. Work. 2002;19(1):87–93.PubMed
8.
9.
go back to reference Kuoppala J, Lamminpaa A. Rehabilitation and work ability: a systematic literature review. J Rehabil Med. 2008;40(10):796–804.PubMed Kuoppala J, Lamminpaa A. Rehabilitation and work ability: a systematic literature review. J Rehabil Med. 2008;40(10):796–804.PubMed
10.
go back to reference Straaton KV, Fine PR. Addressing work disability through vocational rehabilitation services. Bull Rheum Dis. 1997;46(3):1–3.PubMed Straaton KV, Fine PR. Addressing work disability through vocational rehabilitation services. Bull Rheum Dis. 1997;46(3):1–3.PubMed
11.
go back to reference Shrey DE. Worksite disability management model for effective return-to-work planning. Occup Med. 2000;15(4):789–801.PubMed Shrey DE. Worksite disability management model for effective return-to-work planning. Occup Med. 2000;15(4):789–801.PubMed
12.
go back to reference Briand C, Durand MJ, St-Arnaud L, Corbiere M. How well do return-to-work interventions for musculoskeletal conditions address the multicausality of work disability? J Occup Rehabil. 2008;18(2):207–17.PubMedCrossRef Briand C, Durand MJ, St-Arnaud L, Corbiere M. How well do return-to-work interventions for musculoskeletal conditions address the multicausality of work disability? J Occup Rehabil. 2008;18(2):207–17.PubMedCrossRef
13.
go back to reference Schultz IZ, Stowell AW, Feuerstein M, Gatchel RJ. Models of return to work for musculoskeletal disorders. J Occup Rehabil. 2007;17(2):327–52.PubMedCrossRef Schultz IZ, Stowell AW, Feuerstein M, Gatchel RJ. Models of return to work for musculoskeletal disorders. J Occup Rehabil. 2007;17(2):327–52.PubMedCrossRef
14.
go back to reference Schultz IZ. Disentangling the disability quagmire in psychological injury: part 1- disability and return to work: theories, methods, and applications. Psychol Inj and Law. 2008;1:94–102.CrossRef Schultz IZ. Disentangling the disability quagmire in psychological injury: part 1- disability and return to work: theories, methods, and applications. Psychol Inj and Law. 2008;1:94–102.CrossRef
15.
go back to reference Escorpizo R, Ekholm J, Gmunder HP, Cieza A, Kostanjsek N, Stucki G. Developing a core set to describe functioning in vocational rehabilitation using the international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF). J Occup Rehabil. 2010;20(4):502–11.PubMedCrossRef Escorpizo R, Ekholm J, Gmunder HP, Cieza A, Kostanjsek N, Stucki G. Developing a core set to describe functioning in vocational rehabilitation using the international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF). J Occup Rehabil. 2010;20(4):502–11.PubMedCrossRef
16.
go back to reference Peterson DB. Psychological aspects of functioning, disability, and health. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company; 2011. Peterson DB. Psychological aspects of functioning, disability, and health. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company; 2011.
17.
go back to reference Engel GL. The need for a new medical model: a challenge for biomedicine. Science. 1977;196(4286):129–36.PubMedCrossRef Engel GL. The need for a new medical model: a challenge for biomedicine. Science. 1977;196(4286):129–36.PubMedCrossRef
18.
go back to reference Peterson DB. International classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF): an introduction for rehabilitation psychologists. Rehabil Psychol. 2005;50:105–12.CrossRef Peterson DB. International classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF): an introduction for rehabilitation psychologists. Rehabil Psychol. 2005;50:105–12.CrossRef
19.
go back to reference Loisel P, Durand P, Abenhaim L, Gosselin L, Simard R, Turcotte J, et al. Management of occupational back pain: the Sherbrooke model. Results of a pilot and feasibility study. Occup Environ Med. 1994;51(9):597–602.PubMedCrossRef Loisel P, Durand P, Abenhaim L, Gosselin L, Simard R, Turcotte J, et al. Management of occupational back pain: the Sherbrooke model. Results of a pilot and feasibility study. Occup Environ Med. 1994;51(9):597–602.PubMedCrossRef
20.
go back to reference Franche RL, Krause N. Readiness for return to work following injury or illness: conceptualizing the interpersonal impact of health care, workplace, and insurance factors. J Occup Rehabil. 2002;12(4):233–56.PubMedCrossRef Franche RL, Krause N. Readiness for return to work following injury or illness: conceptualizing the interpersonal impact of health care, workplace, and insurance factors. J Occup Rehabil. 2002;12(4):233–56.PubMedCrossRef
21.
go back to reference Schultz IZ, Crook J, Meloche GR, Berkowitz J, Milner R, Zuberbier OA, et al. Psychosocial factors predictive of occupational low back disability: towards development of a return-to-work model. Pain. 2004;107(1–2):77–85.PubMedCrossRef Schultz IZ, Crook J, Meloche GR, Berkowitz J, Milner R, Zuberbier OA, et al. Psychosocial factors predictive of occupational low back disability: towards development of a return-to-work model. Pain. 2004;107(1–2):77–85.PubMedCrossRef
22.
go back to reference Feuerstein M. A multidisciplinary approach to prevention, evaluation, and management of work disability. J Occup Rehabil. 1991;1(1):5–12.CrossRef Feuerstein M. A multidisciplinary approach to prevention, evaluation, and management of work disability. J Occup Rehabil. 1991;1(1):5–12.CrossRef
23.
go back to reference Lambeek LC, van Mechelen W, Knol DL, Loisel P, Anema JR. Randomised controlled trial of integrated care to reduce disability from chronic low back pain in working and private life. BMJ. 2010;340:c1035.PubMedCrossRef Lambeek LC, van Mechelen W, Knol DL, Loisel P, Anema JR. Randomised controlled trial of integrated care to reduce disability from chronic low back pain in working and private life. BMJ. 2010;340:c1035.PubMedCrossRef
24.
go back to reference Anema JR, Steenstra IA, Bongers PM, de Vet HC, Knol DL, Loisel P, et al. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation for subacute low back pain: graded activity or workplace intervention or both? A randomized controlled trial. Spine. 2007;32(3):291–300.PubMedCrossRef Anema JR, Steenstra IA, Bongers PM, de Vet HC, Knol DL, Loisel P, et al. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation for subacute low back pain: graded activity or workplace intervention or both? A randomized controlled trial. Spine. 2007;32(3):291–300.PubMedCrossRef
25.
go back to reference Steenstra IA, Anema JR, van Tulder MW, Bongers PM, de Vet HC, van Mechelen W. Economic evaluation of a multi-stage return to work program for workers on sick-leave due to low back pain. J Occup Rehabil. 2006;16(4):557–78.PubMedCrossRef Steenstra IA, Anema JR, van Tulder MW, Bongers PM, de Vet HC, van Mechelen W. Economic evaluation of a multi-stage return to work program for workers on sick-leave due to low back pain. J Occup Rehabil. 2006;16(4):557–78.PubMedCrossRef
26.
go back to reference Young AE, Roessler RT, Wasiak R, McPherson KM, van Poppel MN, Anema JR. A developmental conceptualization of return to work. J Occup Rehabil. 2005;15(4):557–68.PubMedCrossRef Young AE, Roessler RT, Wasiak R, McPherson KM, van Poppel MN, Anema JR. A developmental conceptualization of return to work. J Occup Rehabil. 2005;15(4):557–68.PubMedCrossRef
27.
go back to reference Xu YW, Chan CC, Lam CS, Li-Tsang CW, Lo-Hui KY, Gatchel RJ. Rehabilitation of injured workers with chronic pain: a stage of change phenomenon. J Occup Rehabil. 2007;17(4):727–42.PubMedCrossRef Xu YW, Chan CC, Lam CS, Li-Tsang CW, Lo-Hui KY, Gatchel RJ. Rehabilitation of injured workers with chronic pain: a stage of change phenomenon. J Occup Rehabil. 2007;17(4):727–42.PubMedCrossRef
28.
go back to reference Li-Tsang WPC, Chan HHK, Lam CS, Lo-Hui KYL, Chan CCH. Psychosocial aspects of injured workers’ returning to work (RTW) in Hong Kong. J Occup Rehabil. 2006;17:279–88.CrossRef Li-Tsang WPC, Chan HHK, Lam CS, Lo-Hui KYL, Chan CCH. Psychosocial aspects of injured workers’ returning to work (RTW) in Hong Kong. J Occup Rehabil. 2006;17:279–88.CrossRef
29.
go back to reference Holmes J. Vocational rehabilitation. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishing; 2007. Holmes J. Vocational rehabilitation. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishing; 2007.
30.
go back to reference Kielhofner G, Burke JP. A model of human occupation, part 1. Conceptual framework and content. Am J Occup Ther. 1980;34(9):572–81.PubMed Kielhofner G, Burke JP. A model of human occupation, part 1. Conceptual framework and content. Am J Occup Ther. 1980;34(9):572–81.PubMed
31.
go back to reference Fadyl JK, McPherson KM. Approaches to vocational rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury: a review of the evidence. J Head Trauma Rehabil. 2009;24(3):195–212.PubMedCrossRef Fadyl JK, McPherson KM. Approaches to vocational rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury: a review of the evidence. J Head Trauma Rehabil. 2009;24(3):195–212.PubMedCrossRef
32.
go back to reference Trexler LE, Trexler LC, Malec JF, Klyce D, Parrott D. Prospective randomized controlled trial of resource facilitation on community participation and vocational outcome following brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil. 2010;25(6):440–6.PubMedCrossRef Trexler LE, Trexler LC, Malec JF, Klyce D, Parrott D. Prospective randomized controlled trial of resource facilitation on community participation and vocational outcome following brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil. 2010;25(6):440–6.PubMedCrossRef
33.
go back to reference Bond GR. Supported employment: evidence for an evidence-based practice. Psychiatr Rehabil J. 2004;27(4):345–59.PubMedCrossRef Bond GR. Supported employment: evidence for an evidence-based practice. Psychiatr Rehabil J. 2004;27(4):345–59.PubMedCrossRef
34.
go back to reference Pransky G, Gatchel R, Linton SJ, Loisel P. Improving return to work research. J Occup Rehabil. 2005;15(4):453–7.PubMedCrossRef Pransky G, Gatchel R, Linton SJ, Loisel P. Improving return to work research. J Occup Rehabil. 2005;15(4):453–7.PubMedCrossRef
35.
go back to reference Stucki G, Cieza A, Melvin J. The International classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF): a unifying model for the conceptual description of the rehabilitation strategy. J Rehabil Med. 2007;39(4):279–85.PubMedCrossRef Stucki G, Cieza A, Melvin J. The International classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF): a unifying model for the conceptual description of the rehabilitation strategy. J Rehabil Med. 2007;39(4):279–85.PubMedCrossRef
36.
go back to reference Selander J. Unemployed sick-leavers and vocational rehabilitation - a person-level study based on a national social insurance material; PhD thesis, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Rehabbilitation Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden. 1999. Selander J. Unemployed sick-leavers and vocational rehabilitation - a person-level study based on a national social insurance material; PhD thesis, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Rehabbilitation Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden. 1999.
37.
go back to reference Marnetoft S-U. The Challenges of Vocational Rehabilitation in Sweden. Kuntoutus Fin J Rehabil. 2009;4:5–10 Marnetoft S-U. The Challenges of Vocational Rehabilitation in Sweden. Kuntoutus Fin J Rehabil. 2009;4:5–10
38.
39.
go back to reference Parker RM, Szymanski EM, Patterson JB. editors. Rehabilitation counseling: basics and beyond. 4th ed. Austin: Pro-Ed; 2005. Parker RM, Szymanski EM, Patterson JB. editors. Rehabilitation counseling: basics and beyond. 4th ed. Austin: Pro-Ed; 2005.
40.
go back to reference Sandqvist JL, Henriksson CM. Work functioning: a conceptual framework. Work. 2004;23(2):147–57.PubMed Sandqvist JL, Henriksson CM. Work functioning: a conceptual framework. Work. 2004;23(2):147–57.PubMed
41.
go back to reference MacDonald-Wilson K, Rogers ES, Anthony WA. Unique issues in assessing work function among individuals with psychiatric disabilities. J Occup Rehabil. 2001;11(3):217–32.PubMedCrossRef MacDonald-Wilson K, Rogers ES, Anthony WA. Unique issues in assessing work function among individuals with psychiatric disabilities. J Occup Rehabil. 2001;11(3):217–32.PubMedCrossRef
42.
go back to reference Maronner J, Gandolfo C, Gold M, Hoff D. If you think work is bad for people with mental illness, then try poverty, unemployment, and social isolation. Psychiatr Rehabil J. 2000;23(2):187–93. Maronner J, Gandolfo C, Gold M, Hoff D. If you think work is bad for people with mental illness, then try poverty, unemployment, and social isolation. Psychiatr Rehabil J. 2000;23(2):187–93.
43.
go back to reference Suzuki Y, Kikuchi E, Watanabe S. Assessment of vocational opportunities and continuing job placement for persons with mental disabilities: factors indicating levels of necessary support. Work. 2008;30(2):185–94.PubMed Suzuki Y, Kikuchi E, Watanabe S. Assessment of vocational opportunities and continuing job placement for persons with mental disabilities: factors indicating levels of necessary support. Work. 2008;30(2):185–94.PubMed
44.
go back to reference Council on Rehabilitation Education. Revised core accreditation standards. Section II CORE accreditation manual. 2010;1–21. Council on Rehabilitation Education. Revised core accreditation standards. Section II CORE accreditation manual. 2010;1–21.
45.
go back to reference Imrie R. Demystifying disability: a review of the international classification of functioning, disability and health. Soc Health Illn. 2004;26(3):287–305.CrossRef Imrie R. Demystifying disability: a review of the international classification of functioning, disability and health. Soc Health Illn. 2004;26(3):287–305.CrossRef
46.
go back to reference Borell L, Asaba E, Rosenberg L, Schult ML, Townsend E. Exploring experiences of “participation” among individuals living with chronic pain. Scand J Occup Ther. 2006;13(2):76–85.PubMedCrossRef Borell L, Asaba E, Rosenberg L, Schult ML, Townsend E. Exploring experiences of “participation” among individuals living with chronic pain. Scand J Occup Ther. 2006;13(2):76–85.PubMedCrossRef
47.
go back to reference Whalley-Hammell K. Deviating from the norm: a skeptical interrogation of the classificatory practices of the ICF. Br J Occup Ther. 2004;67(9):408–11. Whalley-Hammell K. Deviating from the norm: a skeptical interrogation of the classificatory practices of the ICF. Br J Occup Ther. 2004;67(9):408–11.
48.
go back to reference Stubbs J, Deaner G. When considering vocational rehabilitation: describing and comparing the Swedish and American systems and professions. Work. 2005;24(3):239–49.PubMed Stubbs J, Deaner G. When considering vocational rehabilitation: describing and comparing the Swedish and American systems and professions. Work. 2005;24(3):239–49.PubMed
49.
go back to reference Young AE. Return to work following disabling occupational injury - facilitators of employment continuation. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2010;36(6):473–83.PubMedCrossRef Young AE. Return to work following disabling occupational injury - facilitators of employment continuation. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2010;36(6):473–83.PubMedCrossRef
50.
go back to reference Wasiak R, Young AE, Roessler RT, McPherson KM, van Poppel MN, Anema JR. Measuring return to work. J Occup Rehabil. 2007;17(4):766–81.PubMedCrossRef Wasiak R, Young AE, Roessler RT, McPherson KM, van Poppel MN, Anema JR. Measuring return to work. J Occup Rehabil. 2007;17(4):766–81.PubMedCrossRef
51.
go back to reference Lagerveld SE, Bultmann U, Franche RL, van Dijk FJ, Vlasveld MC, van der Feltz-Cornelis CM, et al. Factors associated with work participation and work functioning in depressed workers: a systematic review. J Occup Rehabil. 2010;20(3):275–92.PubMedCrossRef Lagerveld SE, Bultmann U, Franche RL, van Dijk FJ, Vlasveld MC, van der Feltz-Cornelis CM, et al. Factors associated with work participation and work functioning in depressed workers: a systematic review. J Occup Rehabil. 2010;20(3):275–92.PubMedCrossRef
52.
go back to reference Sanderson K, Nicholson J, Graves N, Tilse E, Oldenburg B. Mental health in the workplace: using the ICF to model the prospective associations between symptoms, activities, participation and environmental factors. Disabil Rehabil. 2008;30(17):1289–97.PubMedCrossRef Sanderson K, Nicholson J, Graves N, Tilse E, Oldenburg B. Mental health in the workplace: using the ICF to model the prospective associations between symptoms, activities, participation and environmental factors. Disabil Rehabil. 2008;30(17):1289–97.PubMedCrossRef
53.
go back to reference Heerkens Y, Engels J, Kuiper C, Van der Gulden J, Oostendorp R. The use of the ICF to describe work related factors influencing the health of employees. Disabil Rehabil. 2004;26(17):1060–6.PubMedCrossRef Heerkens Y, Engels J, Kuiper C, Van der Gulden J, Oostendorp R. The use of the ICF to describe work related factors influencing the health of employees. Disabil Rehabil. 2004;26(17):1060–6.PubMedCrossRef
54.
go back to reference Kirsh B, Krupa T, Cockburn L, Gewurtz R. A Canadian model of work integration for persons with mental illnesses. Disabil Rehabil. 2010;32(22):1833–46.PubMedCrossRef Kirsh B, Krupa T, Cockburn L, Gewurtz R. A Canadian model of work integration for persons with mental illnesses. Disabil Rehabil. 2010;32(22):1833–46.PubMedCrossRef
Metadata
Title
A Conceptual Definition of Vocational Rehabilitation Based on the ICF: Building a Shared Global Model
Authors
Reuben Escorpizo
Michiel F. Reneman
Jan Ekholm
Julie Fritz
Terry Krupa
Sven-Uno Marnetoft
Claude E. Maroun
Julietta Rodriguez Guzman
Yoshiko Suzuki
Gerold Stucki
Chetwyn C. H. Chan
Publication date
01-06-2011
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation / Issue 2/2011
Print ISSN: 1053-0487
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3688
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-011-9292-6

Other articles of this Issue 2/2011

Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 2/2011 Go to the issue