Medical Aspects of Disability and Case Management Flashcards

Which classification system is used internationally to describe functioning, disability, and health in disability management?

Answer: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)

The ICF provides a framework for describing functional states associated with health conditions, covering body functions/structures, activity, and participation.

In the context of disability management, what does 'impairment' refer to?

Answer: Abnormality of body structure or function at the organ or body system level

Impairment is a deviation from normal in a body structure or physiological function, as defined by medical assessment.

Which pain assessment scale is most commonly used in clinical and occupational health settings to quantify pain intensity?

Answer: The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) 0–10

The 0–10 Numeric Rating Scale is a widely used, validated tool for measuring subjective pain intensity in clinical practice.

What is the 'biopsychosocial model' of disability?

Answer: A framework recognizing that biological, psychological, and social factors all interact to influence disability

The biopsychosocial model holds that health and disability result from interactions among biological, psychological, and social factors, not medical factors alone.

What are Waddell's signs used to assess in occupational and disability medicine?

Answer: Non-organic physical signs that may indicate psychosocial contributions to pain behavior

Waddell's signs are five physical examination findings that, when positive in combination, suggest psychosocial rather than structural contributions to pain.

Which comorbidity is most associated with delayed recovery and prolonged disability after musculoskeletal injury?

Answer: Depression and anxiety disorders

Depression and anxiety are strongly associated with delayed return to work and prolonged disability across multiple injury types.