Which framework is used to organize data during evaluation?

• A. SOAP notes
• B. DSM-5
• C. ICD-10
• D. ICF framework

Answer: (D)

Evaluating a patient in physical therapy benefits from a framework that organizes information about how a health condition affects function across multiple domains. The ICF framework does this by dividing functioning into body structures/functions, activities, participation, and contextual factors (environmental and personal). During the evaluation you gather data from history, systems review, and tests and measures and map it into these domains, giving a complete picture of what the person can do, what limits them, and what external or internal factors influence performance. It also links impairment to real-life activities and participation, guiding goal setting and measuring progress. In contrast, DSM-5 and ICD-10 are diagnostic/classification systems for diseases, and SOAP notes are a documentation format used to structure notes rather than organize data across functioning domains.