1052 – Assessment Of The Degree Of Dependence According To The Principles Of The Icf Concerning People Suffering From Mental And Behavioural Disorders

Abstract

Introduction

Since 2007, there has been a gradual increase in the total number of the institutionally approved dependency regarding mental disorders (21 596 cases in 2007, 24 317 cases in 2011). The newly proposed criteria of the assessment of the degree of dependence from January 1, 2012 are set according to the principles of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The aim was to take into account the social needs of patients suffering from mental disorders.

Ten basic needs

The assessment of the degree of dependence includes the evaluation of the functional impact of the longterm unfavourable state of health on the ability to manage the 10 basic needs. The basic needs are further specified by the ICF principles and activities. Prior to the adoption of this method, assessing the degree of dependence had been tested in terms of its functionality, reliability and impact on disabled people. The tests have demonstrated moderate benefits of this method for people suffering from mental disorders.

[The 10 basic needs in the ICF classification].

Mobility	Chapter 4 Mobility, such as d 450 Walking, d 460, d 410
Orientation	Chapter 1 Learning and applying knowledge, such as codes d 110 - 129
Communication	Chapter 3 Communication, d 310 - d 360
Self-feeding	Chapter 5 Self-care, eating and drinking, d 550 - 560
Putting on clothes and footwear	Chapter 5 Self-care, d 540
Washing oneself	Chapter 5 Self-care, d 510 - 520
Toileting	Chapter 5 Self-care, d 530
Looking after one's health	Chapter 5 Self-care, d 570, Chapter 2 General tasks and demands, such as d 230
Personal activities	Chapter 8 Major life areas, such as d 810 - 820, Chapter 9 Community, social and civic life, such as d 910 - 920
Household tasks	Chapter 6 Domestic life, such as d 630 - 640

Conclusion

The method in question provides an efficient interconnection within the ICF application in both healthcare and dependence degree assessment. Thus, the reflection of ICF in new medical assessment criteria used to assess the degree of dependence will contribute to a change in how healthcare professionals perceive disabilities, and it will ensure that the areas of healthcare, aftercare or long-term care, and the social area are combined more effectively.