The ICIDH-2: Developments for a new era of outcomes research

This article reviews the important concepts that led to the development of the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicap s (ICIDH), explicates the International Classification of Functioning and D isability (ICIDH-2), and discusses implications of the ICIDH-2 as a concept ual framework for outcome measures. The original ICIDH opened the door to i nclude factors outside the traditional classification boundaries of disease , illness, and functional limitations that have framed the concept of disab ility. The new factors in the ICIDH-2 include a dimension for participation in social activities and a listing of environmental factors that are impor tant for understanding the complexity of disability. The ICIDH-2 offers an opportunity for building a consensus on the terms used to describe disabili ty and on the scope of factors to include in studying disability.