New health indicator can revolutionize how we measure and achieve well-being

Newswise — The phrase 'well-being' gained popularity amidst the Covid-19 outbreak shortly after 'lockdown' and 'quarantine' emerged. It didn't take long for us to realize that our well-being declined when we were unable to partake in walks, social interactions, and work. Suddenly, health encompassed more than mere physical condition; it hinged on our capacity to participate in meaningful pursuits.

While this realization was new to many, the World Health Organization (WHO) had already initiated a paradigm shift in its understanding of health. The organization introduced a novel concept and evaluation framework, referred to as 'human functioning,' to encompass the multifaceted nature of our daily health encounters.

"Although holding immense potential, this innovative instrument has yet to be widely integrated into healthcare systems and policy-making. Our team's objective is to facilitate its adoption," stated Prof. Gerold Stucki, a prominent member of a research team at Swiss Paraplegic Research and the University of Lucerne, Switzerland.

In their publication in Frontiers in Science, Stucki and colleagues introduce a groundbreaking framework that seamlessly incorporates the evaluation and management of functioning within health and social systems. "We are convinced that this approach has the potential to significantly transform healthcare practice, education, research, and policy," emphasized Prof. Jerome Bickenbach.

Human functioning: the missing link between health and well-being

Human functioning enhances the conventional biomedical approach by incorporating the dimension of 'lived health.' This facet of health encompasses an individual's ability to partake in various activities, such as independent eating, socializing, and working. Recognizing the interconnection between our biological well-being and lived experiences, this approach fosters a more comprehensive comprehension of human health.

The significance of assessing functioning becomes evident when considering mobility impairments. A person with a disability may experience limitations in their lived health due to an inaccessible physical environment. However, their functioning can be improved through the utilization of assistive devices and modifications to the built environment. By addressing these barriers, individuals with mobility impairments can experience enhanced functioning and an improved quality of life.

"Functioning provides a deeper understanding of the intricate connection between health and well-being," elaborated Prof. Sara Rubinelli. "It encompasses not only the absence of disease, injury, or physical ailments but also the capacity to actively engage in daily activities and accomplish personal aspirations. By nurturing individual well-being on a broader scale, we have the potential to profoundly transform our society, ultimately enhancing societal welfare."

Human functioning data complements morbidity and mortality

To realize this vision, the team has formulated a comprehensive strategy to integrate standardized assessments of functioning into health and social systems. The initial stage involves acknowledging functioning as the third key health indicator.

Cristiana Baffone highlighted, "Morbidity and mortality serve as the predominant indicators presently employed to evaluate population health and the effectiveness of policies and interventions. While this approach has yielded significant advantages, it fails to encompass lived health experiences. By acknowledging functioning as the third primary indicator, we can bridge this gap. Through systematic collection of functioning data, we can utilize it to inform and shape public policies."

The article outlines how this approach can contribute to the advancement of the United Nations' third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG3): "to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all." While SDG3 encompasses both health and well-being, its progress is currently evaluated primarily through mortality and morbidity data. By systematically tracking and analyzing human functioning data across populations, we can effectively guide and align our efforts to achieve the comprehensive vision of SDG3, encompassing both health and well-being.

Human functioning sciences: new field can fuel the functioning revolution

The integration of functioning into healthcare is a multifaceted endeavor that necessitates substantial investment and active participation from healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public. The authors raise a notable concern regarding the lack of awareness regarding the vast potential benefits of this approach, which can be addressed through effective communication campaigns. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of cultivating a new generation of researchers, healthcare professionals, and policy entrepreneurs who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to form a dedicated 'human functioning' workforce.

"We can expedite this phase by instituting a fresh scientific domain named 'human performance studies'. This realm shall merge discrete fields to enhance our grasp of well-being and steer investigation, medical care, and regulations," elucidated Stucki.

The obstacles ahead may appear formidable, yet rehabilitation serves as an exemplar discipline wherein functionality has already been thoroughly amalgamated, aiding in delineating protocols and propelling technological advancements.

"Rehabilitation represents a progressive narrative that can steer us through the revolution of functionality," stated Bickenbach. "Although we have made substantial progress in addressing methodological hurdles, widespread implementation is still in its nascent stages. Societal economic investment is indispensable for actualizing the potential of human functioning," he concluded.