The World Health Organization's definition of health includes physical, mental, and social well-being, leading to the need for a more comprehensive classification system. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) was introduced to complement the existing International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The ICF emphasizes functioning properties (FPs) that encompass activities and participation components, essential for a detailed health description. Chronic pain codes have been incorporated into the 11th edition of the ICD, requiring a specific set of FPs for chronic pain to link with the ICF. This article discusses the consensus proposal by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM) for the FPs of chronic pain.
The ICF framework provides a comprehensive description of health and health-related states, focusing on functioning and disability as an interaction between an individual and their environment. It includes body functions, structures, activities, participation, and contextual factors. Pain is classified as a body function within the ICF, highlighting various domains related to pain sensation and location. The ICF core sets for chronic pain identify relevant domains essential for understanding and addressing the impact of chronic pain on individuals.
Chronic pain is often associated with impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions, leading to a range of disabilities such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and reduced quality of life. Patients with chronic pain may experience challenges in daily routines, mobility, work, and social interactions, reflecting the multidimensional impact of chronic pain on various aspects of life.