Impairment nature code (ICF 2001) N

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.

Impairments of body structure are problems in body structure such as a loss or significant departure from population standards or averages.

CODE 0     No change in structure

Used when the structure of the body part is within the range of the population standard.

CODE 1     Total absence

Used when the body structure is not present. For example total absence of the structures of the lower leg following a thorough knee amputation.

CODE 2     Partial absence

Used when only part of a body structure is present. For example partial absence of the bones of the lower leg following below knee amputation.

CODE 3     Additional part

Used when a structure, not usually present in the population is present, for example a sixth lumbar vertebra or an sixth digit on one hand.

CODE 4     Aberrant dimensions

Used when the shape and size of a body structure is significantly different from the population standard. For example radial aplasia where the shape and size of the radial bone does not develop.

CODE 5     Discontinuity

Used when parts of a body structure are separated, for example cleft palate or fracture.

CODE 6     Deviating position

Used when the location of a structure is not according to population standard; for example, transposition of the great vessels, where the aorta arises from the right ventricle and the pulmonary vessels from the left ventricle.

CODE 7     Qualitative changes in structure

Used when the structure of a body part is altered from the population standard. This includes accumulation of fluid, changes in bone structure as a result of osteoporosis or Paget’s disease.

CODE 8      Not specified

Used when there is a change to a body structure, but the nature of the change is not described.

CODE 9      Not applicable

Used when it is not appropriate to code the nature of the change to a body structure.

Context:

Human functioning and 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