Environmental factor code (ICF 2001) AN[NNN]

Guide for use:

This metadata item contributes to the definition of the concept 'Disability' and gives an indication of the experience of disability for a person.

Environmental factors represent the circumstances in which the individual lives. These factors are conceived as immediate (e.g. physical features of the environment, social environment) and societal (formal and informal social structures, services and systems). Different environments may have a very different impact on the same individual with a given health condition.

Facilitators are features of the environment that have a positive effect on disability. Barriers are features of the environment that have a negative effect on disability.

Data can be collected at the three digit level in one chapter and at the chapter level in another. However it is only possible to collect data at a single level of the hierarchy in a single chapter to maintain mutual exclusivity. For example, it is not permitted to collect both 'Attitudes' (chapter level) and 'Social, norms, practices and ideology' (3 digit level) as the former includes the latter.

The value domain below refers to the highest hierarchical level (ICF chapter level). Data collected at this level, in association with Extent of environmental factor influence code [X]N will use the codes as indicated. The full range of the permissible values together with definitions can be found in the Environmental Factors component of the ICF.

CODE e1 Products and technology
CODE e2 Natural environment and human-made changes to environment
CODE e3 Support and relationships
CODE e4 Attitudes
CODE e5 Services, systems and policies

Data collected at this level will provide a general description of the environmental factors and can only be compared with data collected at the same level.

An example of a value domain at the 3 digit level from the Environmental factors component may include:

CODE e225 Climate
CODE e240 Light
CODE e250 Sound
CODE e255 Vibration
CODE e260 Air quality

An example of a value domain at the 4 digit level from the environmental factors component may include:

CODE e1151 Assistive products and technology for personal use in daily life
CODE e1201 Assistive products and technology for personal indoor and outdoor mobility and transportation
CODE e2151 Assistive products and technology for communication
CODE e1301 Assistive products and technology for education
CODE e1351 Assistive products and technology for employment
CODE e1401 Assistive products and technology for culture, recreation and sport
CODE e1451 Assistive products and technology for the practice of religion and spirituality

The prefix e denotes the domains within the component of Environmental Factors.

Context:
The environment in which a person functions or experiences disability

Origin:

WHO 2001. ICF: International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Geneva: WHO

AIHW 2003. ICF Australian User Guide Version 1.0. Canberra: AIHW