ICF-Based Classification to Bridge the Gap Between End-Users and AAL Solutions

MAESTRO (Sustainable Reference Framework evaluating equipment and services for seniors) is a web-based ICT multi modal platform providing a broad range of services and benefits in the domain of monitoring and self-monitoring sys- tems for well-being and health-related information acquisition. Specifically, MAE- STRO aims at realizing an innovative framework to facilitate the interaction and communication between producers and consumers at different levels, taking into ac- count needs of end-users and features of products. This paper provides an overview of the key concepts and capabilities of MAESTRO focusing on the use of the Inter- national Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to build profiles of end-users and discover and rank products that meet their health-related needs. Additionally, the paper shows the results of a study aimed at evaluating the clas- sification capabilities of MAESTRO and the integrated ICF-based taxonomy with respect to products and services developed within AAL (Active Assisted Living) Projects. The evaluation points out more recurrent health-related needs of end-users of AAL projects focus and underscore some limits and possible enhancements of the integrated ICF-based taxonomy.