We very much appreciate the commentary made by Jette1 on our articles.2,3 We see this exchange as part of an ongoing dialogue and debate regarding the use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)4 by physical therapists.
The World Health Organization (WHO) had a clear aim when it developed the ICF, and that is “to provide a unified and standard language and framework for the description of health and health-related states.”4 Specifically, this framework and language was meant to “code” the functioning of an individual and serve as a communication tool between and among health disciplines. The WHO also was clear that the ICF aims to serve as a scientific basis for the understanding of health and disability outcomes and determinants.4(pp3–5) These WHO guiding principles were the driving force behind our articles.
In his commentary, Jette was explicit about the benefits of using the ICF, with prudent consideration of the aims above. He has made mention that the ICF as a conceptual framework and as a classification system is essential to and can positively affect physical therapist practice. At the same time, Jette pointed out the utility and methodological challenges that we face in using the ICF codes and …
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