Disseminating the WHO International Classification of Functioning Health and Disability (ICF) in the Veneto region of Italy

Purpose. To show the feasibility and effect of a large formation effort focused on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), which may introduce a revolutionary new conceptual framework for people involved in rehabilitation services. Methods. We here describe the large information/formation project launched by the Regional Direction for Social Services of the Veneto region (Italy). Here we describe the first of the two steps of the project, aimed to reach 900 health professionals throughout the whole region. They were exposed to a structured modular course consisting of a mix of frontal lectures and workshop sessions. During the workshop sessions the participants were confronted with questions referring to the actual application of ICF in their services. Results. The results show that the attendance (90%) was very high. The workshop sessions provided interesting indications on the possible applications of ICF in the clinical settings, as well as points of strength and potential problems that the implementation of ICF may have in the Regional Health Service. Conclusions. To our knowledge this is the largest alphabetization effort on ICF attempted in a public health system, and it indicates a possible effective approach to its controlled diffusion and future implementation.