Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)

The ICD is the global standard to report and categorize diseases, health-related conditions and external causes of disease and injury in order to compile useful health information related to deaths, illness and injury (mortality and morbidity).

The design of the ICD has a direct impact on health care. It influences public health programmes, prevention, reimbursement and treatment. Countries use it to compile basic health statistics and to monitor health spending. To compare findings between countries, a common standard is needed. Emerging diseases and scientific developments, advances in service delivery, and changes in health information systems require a revision of ICD. One major need is to improve the relevance of the ICD in primary care settings. Another key driver is the development of computerized health information systems.

It is envisaged that there will be three distinct versions of the new ICD-11: a succinct version for use in primary care, a detailed version for use in speciality settings and an advanced version for use in research.

WHO has established various Topic Advisory Groups to serve as the planning and coordinating advisory body in the update and revision process for specific issues. A Revision Steering Group oversees the overall revision process. An internet-based workspace will document systematic reviews that obtain evidence from analysis of available data.

WHO collaborates through this platform with all interested parties. Working groups that are organized by the Topic Advisory groups review the proposals

For more information and access to the platform click the link below