Linking of the Integration von Menschen mit Behinderungen in die Arbeitswelt (IMBA) to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)
Background:
The assessment of work capacity, workable work and the need for a common language is challenging in labour market policy. Being a specific instrument to facilitate Return To Work (RTW), the Integration von Menschen mit Behinderungen in die Arbeitswelt (
IMBA) might facilitate the documentation of the individual's work capacity, the job-related workload and the match between these two elements. Since the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (
ICF) is worldwide recognized as frame of reference in RTW, this paper presents the linking of
IMBA to the
ICF, since this is assumed to be beneficial to support RTW.
Objective:
The establishment of the
IMBA-
ICF linking in order to study
1) the relationship between
IMBA and
ICF;
2) the content comparison of
IMBA with work-related
ICF core sets; and
3) the extent to which the linking addresses the challenges in RTW policy.
Methods:
A content comparison of
IMBA and
ICF was conducted, using a 7- step linking methodology in which the Delphi and Nominal Group Technique are integrated in the implementation of the
ICF linking rules. An explorative conversion of the scoring systems of
IMBA and
ICF was established based on expert opinions.
Results:
In the main 70
IMBA items, 107 concepts have been identified of which 94 were linked to 87 different
ICF categories. Body functions and activities and participation are the most presented
ICF components in contrast to the environmental factors.
IMBA items regarding occupational safety and work organization are respectively 'not covered' and 'not defined' in
ICF.
Conclusions:
An integration of
IMBA and
ICF addresses the challenges in RTW policy in the assessment of work capacity, workable work and the need for a common language. In order to do so, extension of
ICF terminology regarding 'occupational safety' and 'work organization' is priority. In depth quantitative research is necessary to support the conversion of both scoring systems.
