Terms of Reference for Volunteer: Enhancing ICF Implementation and Integration
1. Background
The WHO Family of International Classifications (WHO-FIC), which includes the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and its derived assessment instruments (i.e. WHO Disability Assessment Schedule, WHO DAS 2.0), plays a vital role in improving health information systems. The ICF serves as a framework for describing and organizing information on functioning and disability, thereby contributing to global health data consistency and comparability. As part of the WHO-FIC Strategic Plan (2021-2026), ongoing efforts aim to modernize and enhance the implementation of ICF and WHO DAS 2.0through its integration into health information systems and alignment with other classifications like ICD and ICHI.
To achieve these goals, the Department of Data and Analytics (DNA) seeks a volunteer to provide technical expertise in ICF-related tasks, including education, modernization, and practical applications in data collection and policy development. This work aligns with WHO’s mission to improve global health data and evidence-based policy decisions.
2. Objectives
The volunteer will support the WHO’s strategic priorities related to ICF, focusing on:
- Enhancing ICF’s and WHO DAS 2.0 usability and integration with other WHO classifications.
- Contributing to the modernization of ICF to reflect current health and rehabilitation practices.
- Supporting education and training initiatives for ICF & WHO DAS users.
- Facilitating the development of tools and methodologies for applying ICF in diverse settings.
3. Scope of Work and Tasks
The volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
1. ICF Terminology Development
- Conduct term extraction and analysis of health and rehabilitation records to identify relevant terminology.
- Review and analyze existing term sets and derived proposals for enriching the ICF index.
- Provide recommendations to refine and expand the ICF terminology to align with current health and rehabilitation practices.
2. Updating Coding Guidelines for ICF and ICD-11 V Chapter
- Analyze current practices in documenting and coding functioning diagnoses in health and rehabilitation settings.
- Identify gaps and areas where coding guidance is needed to improve consistency and accuracy.
- Formulate clear, practical coding guidelines aligned with evolving practices in health and rehabilitation.
3. Implementation and Enhancement of WHO DAS 2.0
- Develop practical guidance for using WHO DAS 2.0 as an outcome measure in traditional medicine settings.
- Draft user-friendly guidance on applying statistical techniques, such as RASCH modelling, to refine WHO DAS 2.0 scoring methodologies.
4. Development of ICF Training Materials
- Design a comprehensive training curriculum for basic coding with the ICF coding tool.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the training material meets the needs of diverse users, including healthcare and rehabilitation professionals
5. Deliverables
- A comprehensive report on terms extracted and analyzed, including recommendations for ICF index enhancement.
- Updated ICF coding guidelines addressing identified gaps and incorporating practical examples.
- Practical guidance documents for using WHO DAS 2.0 in traditional medicine settings and applying statistical techniques to refine scoring.
- A training curriculum for basic coding with the ICF coding tool specifying Intended Learning Objectives and lesson content.
6. Qualifications, Experience, and Skills
Educational Qualifications:
- Essential: Advanced degree in health sciences, rehabilitation, public health, or a related field related to functioning disability and health.
- Desirable: degree in disability studies, mathematics and statistics or related disciplines.
Experience:
- At least 3 years of experience in context of ICF.
- Familiarity functioning terminology, health outcome measurement, statistical modeling techniques, and training curriculum.
- Demonstrated expertise in working independently and as part of a team.
- Proven track record in rehabilitation research.
Skills/Knowledge:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Effective communication and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in digital tools and platforms for health information management.
- Attention to detail and a methodical approach to tasks.
Languages:
- Essential: Proficiency in English (professional working level).
- Desirable: Proficiency in another UN language.
6. Location and Duration
- The volunteer will work with the WHO team in Geneva.
- The duration of the contract is six months.
7. Reporting
The volunteer will report to the Team Lead, WHO-FIC, and provide regular updates to the DNA Department.
8. Budget and Remuneration
A subsidy for the stay in Geneva will be based on WHO’s established rules for consultants.
Deadline: 21st February 2025. Please send your CV to [email protected].