The ICF is based on a biopsychosocial understanding of functioning, disability and health. Functioning as defined by the ICF is the result of the interaction between an indivdual’s health problem and their contextual factors.

The ICF is hierarchically structured. The classification as a whole is made up of two parts:
(1) functioning and disability and (2) contextual factors. In turn, each part contains two components: The components listed under functioning and disability are (1) body functions and structures and (2) activities and participation. The components associated with contextual factors are (1) environmental factors and (2) personal factors.

The ICF Core Sets simply comprise an extract from the complete ICF categories which are particularly relevant for a specific health problem or diagnosis.

The ICF Core Sets for Hand Conditions (a comprehensive and a brief version) were developed especially for people with injuries or diseases of the hand. They include important aspects (ICF categories) that should be taken into account in the care of this patient population. They give orientation as to what is meaningful in the description of functional health following injuries to or diseases of the hand.