Development of the Polish Version of the ICF Core Set for the Environment of Older People

Abstract

Introduction: The percentage of older people in Polish society increases every year. The interaction between the individual health condition and the barriers in the environment of the elderly leads to the development of disability and the limitation of activity and participation in daily activities. Aim: This study was aimed at selecting the category of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) to assess the environment of older adults in Poland in the context of their daily functioning. Materials and methods: The study was designed to develop a user-friendly tool collecting ICF-based data on the living environment of older people, consisting of five phases: (1) the systematic review of the literature, (2) the empirical multicenter study, (3) the qualitative study based on interviews conducted among the elderly, (4) the experts’ study—an assessment of selected codes from the perspective of experts, (5) the consensus conference. Results: Consensus was reached for 20 ICF categories, creating a comprehensive core set for the assessment of the living environment of older people, which included six codes from chapter 1, Products and technology, three codes from chapter 2, Natural environment and human-made changes to the environment, four codes from chapter 3, Support and relationships, four codes from Chapter 4, Attitudes, and three codes from Chapter 5, Services, systems, and policies. Conclusions: The core set for the assessment of the living environment of older people living in Poland is a comprehensive and important set of 20 ICF codes that reflect the most important elements of the environment affecting the health and functioning of the elderly. This set can contribute to the optimal management of care services and support in the area of adapting the environment to the older population. The core set for environmental assessment was developed for use by medical and care facilities, as well as by social workers, who should also pay attention to the elements of the environment that affect the level of functioning of older people. In the future, it may also form the basis of national surveys and screening tests for the assessment of the living environment of older people. Optimizing and enhancing the surrounding environment can contribute to a greater degree of independence, even with existing health problems in the older population.