Classification Of Disability Research Articles

Dance/movement interventions and students with disabilities: A critical review

This critical narrative review presents findings of physical activity interventions involving dance/movement for students with disabilities. This review describes the status of dance/movement intervention research supporting students’ intersectional identities, including disability. Dance/movement research from 2013 to 2023 was reviewed to identify the extent to which research addresses dimensions of students’ identities. First, dance/movement research is situated within physical activity intervention research. Next, findings from 82 dance/movement research studies within education and disability categories, including autism, physical, and social emotional dimensions is summarized. Of those studies, five studies address participants’ intersectional identities including disability. Positive outcomes of dance/movement interventions for students with disabilities include relationship building, well-being, individualized education, and cultural identity. Specific intervention techniques of mirroring, rhythm matching, and social collaboration with teachers and peers are identified as efficacious for improving students’ social-emotional, cognitive, and motor skills. Dance/movement interventions are also related to teachers’ awareness and affirmation of dimensions of students’ backgrounds and interests through student-centered dance/movement techniques. While the social-emotional, cognitive, and motor benefits are widely documented in the research, only a handful of studies address aspects of participants’ identities other than disability category and age. The findings of this review have implications for teachers’ increased self-awareness and knowledge of dance/movement intervention techniques in support of students’ developmental skill outcomes and intersecting identities, as well as for dance/movement intervention research that addresses multiple dimensions of students’ identities.

An Adapted Physical Activity Program for Adolescents with an Intellectual Disability: An International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health Perspective.

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) offers a comprehensive bio-psycho-social model for evaluating the multifaceted needs of individuals with disabilities. While its adoption in healthcare settings is widespread, its utilization within the domain of physical activity interventions, particularly for adolescents with intellectual disabilities (IDs), remains insufficiently explored. This study rigorously examines the efficacy of a 6-month ICF-based Adaptive Physical Activity (APA) intervention on the development of fundamental motor skills (FMSs), improvements in physical fitness (PF), and enhancements in quality of life (QoL) among adolescents with ID. A total of thirty-eight adolescents were randomly allocated into either an intervention group (IG), which participated in the tailored APA program, or a control group (CG), which received standard physical education. The findings demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the IG's test of gross motor development (TGMD) total, locomotor, object control, and QOL scores relative to the CG (p < 0.001, η² = 0.330, 0.249, 0.224, and 0.439, respectively). Furthermore, substantial gains were observed in PF measures, including upper and lower limb strength as well as cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001, η² = 0.254, 0.351, 0.176). Strong positive correlations were noted between FMS, PF, and QoL (r = 0.34-0.71, p < 0.05). This study underscores the importance of tailoring physical activity programs for adolescents with ID, offering insights into the relationships between FMS, PF, and QoL, and guidance for future interventions aimed at improving health outcomes in this population.

The Practical and Social Functioning (PSF) scale: development and measurement properties of an instrument for assessing activity and social participation among people with serious mental illness

BackgroundParticipation in society and the ability to perform various activities are crucial aspects of everyday functioning. The intertwined relationship between functioning, disability, and health is emphasized in the “International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)” framework. In recent decades, mental health care units have increasingly focused on this aspect. The Practical and Social Functioning scale (PSF) was developed and validated in Norwegian as an easy-to-administer instrument to assess practical and social functioning among patients with serious mental illness in different clinical settings.MethodsThe PSF was developed and revised using data from different Norwegian studies. Data from a total of 562 patients with serious mental illness in different clinical settings were included. The validation process included the evaluation of items into categories by 25 professionals. Development and revision took place in three different stages, and factor analyses were conducted. The quality of the PSF was assessed according to the COSMIN standards for systematic reviews on patient-reported outcome measures.ResultsThe final version of the PSF comprises seven subscales, each consisting of four items, resulting in a total of 28 items. These subscales, along with their corresponding items, are loaded onto two factors representing the main dimensions of functioning: activity and participation. Content validity comprises three domains: relevance, comprehensiveness, and comprehensibility. Relevance and comprehensibility were found to be adequate, whereas comprehensiveness was doubtful. Structural validity was adequate, internal consistency was very good, and construct validity was adequate compared to the Global Assessment of Functioning scale. Responsiveness was found to be doubtful in our study with data from an 18-month observation period. Nearly 60% of the items showed a ceiling effect. No items showed a floor effect.ConclusionThe development and validation of the Norwegian version of the PSF resulted in an instrument consisting of seven subscales and a total of 28 items. The items and subscales assess functioning related to two key factors according to the ICF framework: activity and participation. Our results show that the PSF is an easy-to-administer instrument that may be particularly sensitive for detecting variation among persons with severely impaired functioning.Trial registrationThe study Implementation of Guidelines for the Treatment of Psychoses was registered retrospectively on 31 August 2017 at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03271242).

Modified tai chi movement training based on sEMG and movement analysis on improving upper extremities motor function: a protocol for a clinical randomised controlled trial

IntroductionStroke survivors often face motor dysfunction, increasing fall risk. Lower extremity muscle weakness is a key factor affecting walking ability. Tai chi (TC) has been shown to improve muscle strength...

Development of an evaluation list for older adult community-based rehabilitation needs through a Delphi method

Older adults’ functional and intrinsic abilities may decline with increasing age. The positive effects of comprehensive community-based rehabilitation services to maintain physical, mental, and social function are essential. Nevertheless, few tools are available to assess the community-based rehabilitation needs of older adults. Therefore, we aimed to construct a list for the comprehensive evaluation of community-based rehabilitation needs of older adults. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) was used to construct a first draft of the assessment list. From September to November 2023, 18 experts from five provinces and nine tertiary hospitals and institutions of higher education in China participated in this Delphi study. The older adult community-based rehabilitation needs evaluation list included six dimensions and 29 items. The weights of the six dimensions, from high to low, included mental function rehabilitation need (0.30), body function rehabilitation need (0.24), social participation need (0.18), individual activity rehabilitation need (0.14), environmental rehabilitation need (0.09) and rehabilitation information need (0.05). Using the Delphi method, an assessment list of older adult community-based rehabilitation needs based on ICF was developed. Future work should evaluate the list’s reliability and validity and its application in managing community-based rehabilitation for older adults.

Multi-View Soft Attention-Based Model for the Classification of Lung Cancer-Associated Disabilities.

Background: The detection of lung nodules at their early stages may significantly enhance the survival rate and prevent progression to severe disability caused by advanced lung cancer, but it often requires manual and laborious efforts for radiologists, with limited success. To alleviate it, we propose a Multi-View Soft Attention-Based Convolutional Neural Network (MVSA-CNN) model for multi-class lung nodular classifications in three stages (benign, primary, and metastatic). Methods: Initially, patches from each nodule are extracted into three different views, each fed to our model to classify the malignancy. A dataset, namely the Lung Image Database Consortium Image Database Resource Initiative (LIDC-IDRI), is used for training and testing. The 10-fold cross-validation approach was used on the database to assess the model's performance. Results: The experimental results suggest that MVSA-CNN outperforms other competing methods with 97.10% accuracy, 96.31% sensitivity, and 97.45% specificity. Conclusions: We hope the highly predictive performance of MVSA-CNN in lung nodule classification from lung Computed Tomography (CT) scans may facilitate more reliable diagnosis, thereby improving outcomes for individuals with disabilities who may experience disparities in healthcare access and quality.

Development of core sets for deafblindness using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health: the perspectives of individuals with lived experience.

The needs of people with deafblindness remain poorly understood and addressed globally. This study is part of a larger body of work to develop Core Sets for deafblindness using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). To determine the perspectives on functioning of individuals with lived experience of deafblindness as they relate to the ICF. Cross-sectional interview study. Global, representing all six regions of the World Health Organization. A diverse cohort of 72 individuals living with deafblindness or as close family members, ranging across the spectrum of severity. Qualitative interviews and focus groups were used to explore six open-ended questions about perceived barriers and facilitators to functioning of body functions and structures, activities and participation, and environmental and personal factors. Data were synthesized using content analysis, and the resulting topics were linked to the ICF codes using established linking methodology prescribed by the World Health Organization's ICF Research Branch. Descriptive statistics summarized all demographic data. The analyses of the transcripts uncovered 2534 meaning units, leading to the identification of 492 corresponding distinct codes from the ICF framework, and spanning across 93.33% of coding categories available. Sensory (b2) and Mental Functions (b1) emerged as the most frequent Body Functions (b) codes. Most categories referred to Activities & Participation, with Mobility (d4) being the most frequently mentioned topic. Services, Systems and Policies (e5) was the most frequently used Environmental factor. Over 93% of the ICF classification categories were accessed to code the data provided by participants, demonstrating the complexity of functioning with deafblindness. This study provides valuable information to shape policy and research by providing representation of lived experience towards the consensus conference for the comprehensive and abbreviated Core Sets for deafblindness. The inclusion of lived experience provides a holistic understanding of the daily challenges faced by individuals living with deafblindness. By being part of this process, they have a voice in shaping the classification system that will be used to describe their experiences, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment.

The landscape of Functional Outcome Measures Used in Patients with Bone Sarcoma of the Lower Extremity or Pelvis: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review provides a structured overview of the measurement instruments of functional outcome used in lower extremity and pelvic bone sarcoma patients. We identified 42 unique instruments covering 18 distinct functional outcome constructs with most studies measuring constructs within the activity domain of the International Classification of Functioning, disability, and health. The MusculoSkeletal Tumor Society 1993 and 1987 score, Toronto Extremity Salvage Score, and range of motion instruments were the measurement instruments most commonly used.

Assessment of Cochlear Implant Rehabilitation Success by Speech-Language Therapists Using International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Criteria.

This study aims to introduce an assessment questionnaire based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to enable quantifiable clinical documentation. The questionnaire assists speech-language therapists (SLTs) in evaluating both non-audiological and audiological rehabilitation outcomes of patients with cochlear implants (CIs). Six SLTs were recruited to evaluate the effectiveness of CI care using ICF criteria. We carefully selected 20 pertinent ICF criteria, and SLTs received thorough training in how to apply them uniformly. A cohort of 48 patients was evaluated at three distinct time points: presurgery, postsurgery, and 6 months post-initial CI fitting. Patients underwent dedicated speech-language therapy sessions throughout the treatment course. A total of 144 complete datasets were scrutinized using a two-factor analysis of variance for ranks. Following CI care, patients exhibited substantial improvements in auditory perception, characterized by enhanced sound recognition and speech discrimination. Additionally, patients demonstrated improved attentional focus, proficiency in daily tasks and increased conversational engagement over time. Environmental factors, particularly sound perception, improved markedly, correlating with reported reductions in stress levels. Minimal changes were noted in stress management and communication techniques. Articulatory function, speech functions, and pain perception exhibited the least alteration. The data extracted from the ICF-based assessments underscore the vital significance of incorporating speech therapy-based metrics to evaluate both non-audiological and audiological factors in assessing the success of CI care within the SLTs domain. This approach proves to be highly relevant both in terms of demonstration and clinical applicability.

Impact of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health personal factors on outcomes following lower limb orthopaedic surgery in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review

Purpose To investigate impact of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) personal factors on pain, function, or quality of life following lower limb orthopaedic surgery in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Materials and methods Systematic review of prospective studies of lower limb orthopaedic surgery in children with CP reporting relationships between ICF personal factors, and pain, function, or quality of life. Results Eight prospective studies reporting various orthopaedic procedures (median follow-up 2.1 years) were eligible, but not sufficiently homogenous for meta-analysis. Functional outcomes most reported (n = 6), then pain (n = 3) and quality of life (n = 1). Personal factors were age (n = 3), sex (n = 4), child education (n = 1), and co-morbidities (n = 1). Older children had lower function (p < 0.01), and children in “special education” greater improvement in function compared to those in “regular” education (p = 0.001) post-single-event multi-level surgery (SEMLS). Age and sex not associated with function, pain, or quality of life post-single-joint procedures (p > 0.05), except females with higher pain intensity (p = 0.019) and lower function (p = 0.018) post-Schanz procedure. No association between sex and function post-SEMLS (p > 0.05). Conclusions Further prospective cohort studies are needed to understand the influence of personal factors identified in this review and investigate the effect of other personal factors on pain, quality of life, and function.

The IBIC – a tool for social work? Social documentation, language, and persons with psychiatric disabilities

ABSTRACT In recent years, many municipalities in Sweden are using a standardised method – the ‘Individual’s Needs in Focus’ (IBIC) for investigating needs of social support, as recommended by the National Board of Health and Welfare. The model is based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), with a so called ‘biopsychosocial’ approach and predefined categories and classifications. The article takes a critical perspective on standardised methods in social work, specifically examining language, content, and structure in the documentation of the IBIC. We problematise how well the IBIC’s documentation fit social work in general and investigations concerning individuals with psychiatric disabilities requiring support in daily living in particular. A total of 80 investigations from four municipalities were examined in regard to language, content, and structure in relation to the context of social work. The study identified three main linguistic trends: biomedical, task-oriented, and bureaucratic language. However, none of these trends were anchored in the nomenclature of social work.

Outcomes of Multidisciplinary Low-Vision Rehabilitation Using Two Questionnaires and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a low-vision service by using three tools and to identify the specific outcomes obtained from each instrument. Materials and Methods: Patients consecutively visiting the low-vision clinic at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, were enrolled. The impact of the prescribed rehabilitation on patient quality of life was measured using three tools: the Low-Vision Quality-Of-Life Questionnaire (LVQOL); the generic EuroQol Five-Dimensional Questionnaire (EQ-5D); and the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (WHO-ICF). Results: Out of the 104 patients recruited, 76 patients (mean age, 53 ± 16.2 years) completed the questionnaires before and after rehabilitation, which was assessed after 5.8 ± 2.0 months. Post-rehabilitation, the time of follow-up, patients had significant improvements in the mean scores of both the LVQOL scores and mean EQ-5D scores compared to before rehabilitation (P &lt; 0.001), with Cohen’s effect sizes of 0.85 and 0.67, respectively. Subgroup analyses by age, severity, and cause of visual impairment also showed significant improvements in the LVQOL (P &lt; 0.05), but not the EQ-5D score in the blindness severity subgroup. The ICF scores also showed significant improvement in most domains, including seeing functions, mobility across different locations, transportation use, meal preparation, economic self-sufficiency, community life, and recreational activities (P &lt; 0.01). Conclusion: Patients with low vision experienced significant improvements following vision rehabilitation, especially in terms of seeing functions and mobility. Evaluation by different questionnaire types could provide additional information. The WHO-ICF was effective in assessing each domain related to activity performance and participation.

Disabling fear: parental risk-tolerance in play for children with disabilities

ABSTRACT Children with disabilities (CWD) face a heightened risk of mental health challenges, demanding urgent attention. Despite the recognized significance of play for mental well-being, limited research explores the role of play, especially risky play, in CWD. This study investigates parental perspectives on risky play in CWD and its links to child playfulness, parent–child relationships, and problem symptoms. One hundred and five participants, parents of CWD (n = 52) and without (n = 53), were recruited via Prolific and surveyed on various questionnaires. Findings indicated significant disparities between parents of CWD and without disabilities groups, including group differences in playfulness, problem symptoms, and child–parent relationships and positive associations across all participants and between groups on all measures, emphasizing the interplay of key variables. No significant differences were found in measures of risk tolerance and rough-and-tumble play. Future research should expand these inquiries to various disability categories and consider alternative measures to validate these exploratory findings.

The Adolescent Patient Perspective on Activity Limitations After Sport-Related Concussion.

Assessment of sport-related concussion (SRC) has begun to include patient-reported outcome measures. However, understanding of which health limitations are most meaningful to adolescents after SRC is limited. To explore patient-perceived activity limitations after SRC and throughout recovery to return to play and mapped according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model. Longitudinal study. Secondary school athletic training facilities. Fifty patients (41 males, 5 females, 4 sex not reported, age = 14.9 ± 3.5 years, grade = 10.2 ± 0.93 level) with a medically diagnosed SRC. The Patient Specific-Functional Scale (PSFS) was used to assess changes in the patient's condition and the effect the injury posed on their ability to perform activities. The PSFS is a self-reported assessment of health used to identify activity limitations and rate the difficulty of performing those tasks. The PSFS was administered to patients on days 3 (D3) and 10 (D10) after SRC and at return to play. Activities affected by injury were coded into common categories and themes by a 3-person research team for subsequent analysis. The coded themes were also mapped to the ICF domains, chapters, and categories. The dependent variables were the PSFS themes, number of activities endorsed, PSFS scores, ICF domains, chapters, and categories. Descriptive analyses and frequencies were reported for the dependent variables. A total of 157 different activities were identified at D3 and coded into 28 categories that fit into 6 themes: activities of daily living, cognitive and school (COG), sports and physical activity (SPA), screen time, sleep, and social. On D3, all patients (50/50) identified at least 1 activity limitation. Most related to SPA (37.6%) and COG (31.2%). Sixty percent of patients endorsed activity limitations at D10, primarily in COG (38.6%) and SPA (36.6%). All (100%) response categories were mapped to the ICF, with most (75%) fitting the activities and participation domain. Our primary findings suggest that SRC influences many facets of the lives of adolescent athletes. Specifically, adolescent athletes identified activity restrictions primarily related to physical activity and sports participation.

Practices of Physical Therapists Who Assist People With Cerebral Palsy in Brazil: A National Survey.

To describe the practices of pediatric physical therapists (PTs) working with children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) in Brazil. PTs working with children and adolescents with CP were invited to participate via social media and email campaigns to complete an online survey containing 46 questions. In total, 373 PTs participated. Most PTs reported searching in scientific databases (96.8%) and on social media (71%). The main barrier to information reported was limited access to full-text articles (44%). Among the PTs, 58.4% and 84% reported using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and family centered practice models, respectively. Regarding tools and interventions, there was little focus on the domains of contextual factors and participation. This survey points to some important advances. However, strategies are still needed to promote knowledge translation and evidence-based practices among pediatric PTs in Brazil.

Lived experiences of working-age polytrauma patients in Germany - A qualitative Analysis

BackgroundSurvivors of a major trauma experience a range of difficulties in relation to the reduction in physical, psychosocial, and cognitive functions, which can result in a reduced health-related quality of life. This study aims to explore lived experiences of major trauma survivors in the German healthcare system. MethodsSemi-structured exploratory interviews were performed with nine major trauma survivors (18–55 years; Injury Severity Score ≥16). For exploratory analyses, an artificial intelligence-based coding software was used. Further, results were clustered by using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework (ICF). ResultsCommunication was one of the major topics concerning amongst others diverting opinions between different healthcare disciplines and a general lack of information. The participants showed a high demand for a contact person. Furthermore, social support was essential during recovery for those interviewed. Social network was not only important as emotional and physical support but also for overcoming of gaps in the healthcare system. The support by employers and colleagues seemed to be beneficial for our participants in relation to returning to work. Further, psychological consequences of trauma, and that mobility is a key factor for quality of life, self-efficacy and return to work were discussed. DiscussionThe qualitative analyses highlight several topics such as communication, burden of sickness, support systems that the participants mentioned as important along their journey through the German healthcare system during recovery. Through the ICF model the interplay of certain components that influenced the outcome of the major trauma survivors was visualized. ImplicationsThese results might offer a deepened understanding of modifiable components of a patient pathway in recovery process such as improvements of patient communication, provision of a contact person and others.

Functional assessment of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder in Argentina: ICF-ASD multicenter study.

Introduction. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in social communication and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. In addition to the diagnostic category, the activities performed by children and adolescents and their social involvement are the main aspects to be considered according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) proposed by the World Health Organization to describe health status. In a previous study, we developed the first version of a pediatric tool based on the ICF called ICF-ASD for the functional assessment of children and adolescents with ASD to capture functional characteristics adapted to our cultural setting. Our subsequent objective was to apply the ICF-ASD in a multicenter format to assess children and adolescents from different regions, review, and update it, and identify barriers and facilitators. Population and methods. The ICF-ASD version 1.0 was administered to children and adolescents younger than 16 years with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD (as per DSM-5 criteria), who were receiving follow-up at 5 children's health centers across Argentina. Results. Version 2.0 of the ICF-ASD was obtained, which included 34 categories (10 under body function, 15 under activities and participation, and 9 under environmental factors). A functional profile was developed for the whole sample (n = 308). Conclusions. The updated version of the ICF-ASD helps to standardize and systematize the collection of necessary data for an adequate follow-up of children and adolescents with ASD at a national level. It also allows to identify barriers to overcome and facilitators to be generalized.

Role of Occupational Therapy Assessment and Office Ergonomics to Support Students with Accommodations in Higher Learning: A Narrative Review

Postsecondary students with disabilities (SWDs) face significant challenges to their academic and personal well-being. There is a demand for more supportive strategies to facilitate fulfilling and equitable academic experiences for SWDs. This review aimed to (1) determine the effectiveness of various interventions, programs, and accommodations for enhancing the overall well-being of postsecondary SWDs and (2) evaluate the implications of these support strategies for disability service providers at postsecondary institutions. A narrative review was conducted, examining 13 studies aimed at enhancing the well-being of postsecondary SWDs. Studies were classified using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Model. Ergonomics, assistive technology, and counselling programs had positive improvements on the academic success of SWDs. In SWDs, health status was associated with higher community participation, and physical interventions were beneficial to reducing pain over time. Coaching and mentoring opportunities were beneficial for successful goal fulfilment. However, there remains a risk of digital eye strain when using technology to support postsecondary SWDs. The findings indicate that a range of support strategies can benefit several different components of SWDs experiences. This review identifies research gaps and opportunities to examine support strategies to improve the physical and mental well-being of SWDs.

Exploring patient perspective: using narrative DIPEx interviews and the ICF model for interprofessional learning.

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) has been widely adopted in academic health profession education and is part of bachelor curricula since its introduction by the WHO in 2001. In this context, interprofessional exchange among health professionals from a biopsychosocial perspective has become increasingly important and is now a key part of bachelor's program curricula to learn with, about, and from each other regarding students' curiosity about interprofessional collaboration (IPC). This pilot study describes initial teaching experiences within an interprofessional elective module for health professions focused on patient-centeredness. It uses the ICF model to exemplify interprofessional exchange based on real patient experiences from the "DIPEx" database, which stands for "Database of Individual Patients' Experiences." Bachelor students from four healthcare professions learned in small interprofessional groups and selected case-related content from excerpts of real patient narratives from qualitative interviews in the DIPEx database. In a peer-to-peer process, students structured, analyzed, and reflected on selected patient experiences and presented their findings using the ICF model. Develop a shared understanding of the case from a biopsychosocial perspective using the ICF model to communicate and reflect on patient-centeredness in interprofessional groups for a common care strategy rooted in patient-centeredness. This study illustrates how the shared analysis of a patient's experience of illness can lead to different perspectives on professional concepts for practice. The ICF model serves as a guiding structure and analysis tool. The core of the IPC, patient-centeredness, becomes the focus of the collaborative actions of the health professions.

Basic concepts in preserving holistic well-being in interstitial lung diseases: A MIHRA and G-FoRSS collaborative summary

Background: Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a heterogenous group of diseases that involve inflammation and/or fibrosis of the lung parenchyma. ILD can exert significant stress on a person’s extrapulmonary systems, eroding organ and physical function. Thus, ILD can accelerate age-related vulnerabilities that lead to early onset frailty, which makes frailty prevalent in ILD at any age. Frailty confers a three-fold increase of, and predicts, mortality in ILD. Objective: To present a feasible approach to understanding and addressing holistic health in ILD to fortify physical and psychological capacity markedly enhances a person’s tolerance of ILD and aging. Methods: From our previous published work that consisted of serial Medline and PubMed scoping reviews (with search terms such as frailty, interstitial lung disease, ILD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, IPF, systemic sclerosis, sarcoidosis, well-being), patient focus groups, ILD outcome measures deconstruction and linking to the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Disability, and nominal group processes, we iteratively isolated factors that seem to accelerate and, importantly, protect against and reverse frailty. These factors were presented at The Eastern Pulmonary Conference in September 2024 and summarized herein. Results: The result is a collective statement that (a) summarizes health-care system responsibilities in providing sustainable, humane environments for patients and clinicians; (b) advocates for early intervention and shared decision-making from the time of diagnosis to fortify well-being when living with ILD; and (c) offers guidance to fortify physical, mental, and social well-being as well as health literacy and strength of patient voice. Conclusion: Proactive measures to protect against frailty begins at the time of diagnosis. Interventions that are incremental and based on patient priorities and preferences introduce a feasible approach to holistic well-being.