Classifications

The WHO Family of International Classifications

The WHO constitution mandates the production of international classifications on health so that there is a consensual, meaningful and useful framework which governments, providers and consumers can use as a common language.

Internationally endorsed classifications facilitate the storage, retrieval, analysis, and interpretation of data. They also permit the comparison of data within populations over time and between populations at the same point in time as well as the compilation of nationally consistent data.

The purpose of the WHO Family of International Classifications (WHO-FIC)is to promote the appropriate selection of classifications in the range of settings in the health field across the world.

The basis for the WHO Family of International Classifications and the principles governing the admission of classifications are set out in the paper on the "WHO Family of International Classifications'. This paper also provides a protocol to those wishing to submit a classification for inclusion in the WHO-FIC.

Types of Classifications

The WHO-FIC is comprised of:

1. Reference Classifications: Main classifications on basic parameters of health. These classifications have been prepared by the World Health Organization and approved by the Organization's governing bodies for international use

2. Derived classifications

Derived classifications are based on the reference classifications( i.e. ICD and ICF) .

Classifications and Clinical Terminologies

Classifications capture snapshot views of population health using such parameters as death, disease, functionality, disability, health and health interventions, which inform management and decision making process in the health system. Over time they also provide insight on trends, which informs the planning and decision making processes by health authorities. The multiplicity of possible perspectives on health results in a variety of classifications. Their necessary evolution poses challenges for consistency. More recently, the varied applications in health information systems and the general availability of information and telecommunication technologies (ICT) has highlighted the need for increased interoperability.

The base line information that is aggregated for public health purposes is increasingly derived from health records, which contain both patient care related information, and also information that is crucial for management, health financing and general health system administration. The accuracy and consistency of the health records is crucial to ensure the quality of care and sound management of health systems resources. This calls for accurate and consistent use of clinical terminologies and recognition of the particular importance of semantic interoperability.

Possible synergies between classifications and clinical terminologies, have been identified crucial for future work, particularly in the perspective of a growing automation of information processing. WHO and its network of collaborating centres are taking steps in that direction.

MORE INFORMATION

ICD Revision

WHO-FIC Network Meeting 2011

SNOMED-CT to ICD-10 Maps Preview Release

The World Health Organization and The International Health Terminology Standards Development Organization (IHTSDO) are pleased to announce that a preview release of SNOMED CT to ICD-10 cross maps is now available

ICD-10 ONLINE

ICF ONLINE

International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

HISTORY OF UPDATES

ANNOUNCEMENT

1 July 2011 - The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), in its role as the Australian Collaborating Centre for the WHO’s Family of International Classifications, hosted Towards ICD-11 for Australia to announce the World Health Organization's (WHO) development process for the International Classification of Diseases 11th revision (ICD-11).

ANNOUNCEMENT

22 July 2010 - WHO and the International Health Terminology Standard Development Organisation (IHTSDO) have worked on a collaborative arrangement to link the WHO Family of Classifications and the Standardized Nomenclature of Medicine - Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT). This arrangement enables the linkage of terminologies and classifications. In the era of computerization of health information and electronic health records, it represents a major achievement.

Internal Medicine TAG – Hepato-pancreatobiliary Workgroup Co-Chair Dr Emmet B. Keeffe dies

April 12, 1942 – August 8, 2011 Dr Emmet B. Keeffe, co-chair of the hepato-pancreatobiliary working group of the International Classification of Diseases revision, passed away unexpectedly on August 8, 2011 at the age of sixty-nine. In addition to being an active chair in the ICD revision, Dr Keeffe was a former president of the American Gastroenterological Association and Professor of Medicine Emeritus in Hepatology at Stanford University. Dr Keeffe published more than 700 journal articles and book chapters, largely focusing on his clinical research interest: treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C. His full biography can be read online. We will miss his contributions to medicine and science, particularly in his work towards revising the International Classification of Diseases. We are all saddened by his death – which will unfortunately be coded in ICD-10. On behalf of WHO and ICD revision, we extend our sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues.