Applying the International Classification of Functioning, Disability & Health: A Team-Based/Project Based Course for Undergraduate Students

Reviewed by Karen Aicher, Associate Professor, Bridgewater State University on 6/19/25

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The book provides clear descriptions of the content of the course along with thorough information on how to implement the course as developed, starting with laying the groundwork with students regarding the team-based/project-based components and expectations. The author's descriptions of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (WHO ICF) are presented in a way that is very readable and understandable to students. The author also includes relevant links and useful examples to help students understand the different components and the intended functions of the ICF. Activities and assignments are included and effectively scaffolded.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The information about the pedagogical approaches used and the WHO ICF is consistent with the literature. Citations are used to support the information.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The information reflects the current version of the WHO ICF.

Clarity rating: 5

The text is clear and straightforward, with clarifications and examples provided to enhance learning.

Consistency rating: 5

The use of terms, the clinical focus, and the inclusion of project-based/team-based activities are consistent throughout the text.

Modularity rating: 5

The author describes the textbook as a "sandbox" and provides a downloadable Word version to facilitate that process. The Table of Contents clearly describes what is covered in each section, making it very easy to locate information should an instructor choose to only use parts of this textbook.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The organization of this textbook is one of its many strengths. The author begins by providing suggestions on how to introduce students to the course as the first step, then systematically presents the components of the WHO ICF, linking them to examples, activities, and assignments.

Interface rating: 4

The text is easy to navigate. There are many embedded links to provide additional information, examples, and context. While most of the links work well, some of them are not accessible outside of the author's institution or without a subscription.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

There are no grammatical errors (that I found) in the text.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (WHO ICF) is intended to apply to all cultures internationally. The use of project-based/team-based instruction is not culturally insensitive or offensive, but instructors would need to be mindful of any situations related to group dynamics that may arise in their individual classrooms.

Comments

I highly recommend this textbook. While the author makes connections to her own field, physical therapy, the structure of the textbook makes it clear how that can be modified to apply to other health profession disciplines.