On December 23, 2024, the Department of Pediatrics and Medical Rehabilitation named after Tusupov D.M., in collaboration with the Center for Abilitation and Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities in the Abai Region, held an educational and practical conference on the topic “International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF).” The event was organized and conducted by second-year residents specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) under the guidance of the Head of the Department, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Alimbaeva A.R., and Department Assistant, Dairbekov E.E. The conference was attended by first-year PM&R residents and 7th-year students specializing in General Practice. The aim of the conference was to enhance practical knowledge on the use of one of the most relevant topics in rehabilitation medicine and to facilitate experience sharing among colleagues.
The event began with an opening speech by Assistant Dairbekov E.E., who highlighted the relevance of the ICF in rehabilitation and its importance in daily practice. Following this, second-year residents commenced the first part of the conference, which was dedicated to the discussion of a clinical case. Before diving into the discussion, the second-year residents provided detailed information on the ICF for the 7th-year students and as a refresher for the first-year residents.
During the initial part of the first stage, residents briefly explained how to use the ICF framework for managing patients with various pathologies, when and in which cases to use specific domains, and how to correctly formulate diagnoses using the ICF. After this foundational explanation, the second-year residents moved to the second part of the first stage—a discussion of the clinical case. They presented a detailed presentation showcasing the process of managing patients using the ICF framework at the center, from admission to discharge.
The participants then transitioned to the second, practical stage. During this phase, first- and second-year PM&R residents demonstrated patient examinations using practical skills, rehabilitation scales, and tests on an actual service user at the center. Senior colleagues provided advice, filling in any overlooked details. Participants practiced various testing skills, including assessments of different organs, limbs, and cognitive abilities.
The event concluded with a speech by the Head of the Department, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Alimbaeva A.R. She highlighted the strengths of the work presented while identifying areas requiring further improvement. Her professional advice and recommendations provided valuable guidance for improving the quality of practical activities and organizing similar events in the future.
Participating in such a seminar, where a clinical case from the center’s practice was thoroughly analyzed, skills were practiced under the supervision of experienced colleagues, and new competencies were acquired, proved to be a highly beneficial and educational experience for all attendees.
In conclusion, it can be stated that the ICF is one of the most relevant and essential tools for rehabilitation specialists. It is not only necessary for diagnosing and managing patients but also serves as a universal language for communication among rehabilitation professionals worldwide.