Training and experience of coding with the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases, Eleventh Revision

Background: The new International Classification of Diseases, Eleventh Revision for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics (ICD-11) was developed and released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in June 2018. Because ICD-11 incorporates new codes and features, training materials for coding with ICD-11 are urgently needed prior to its implementation. Objective: This study outlines the development of ICD-11 training materials, training processes and experiences of clinical coders while learning to code using ICD-11. Method: Six certified clinical coders were recruited to code inpatient charts using ICD-11. Training materials were developed with input from experts from the Canadian Institute for Health Information and the WHO, and the clinical coders were trained to use the new classification. Monthly team meetings were conducted to enable discussions on coding issues and to select the correct ICD-11 codes. The training experience was evaluated using qualitative interviews, a questionnaire and a coding quiz. Results: total of 3011 charts were coded using ICD-11. In general, clinical coders provided positive feedback regarding the training program. The average score for the coding quiz (multiple choice, True/False) was 84%, suggesting that the training program was effective. Feedback from the coders enabled the ICD-11 code content, electronic tooling and terminologies to be updated. Conclusion: This study provides a detailed account of the processes involved with training clinical coders to use ICD-11. Important findings from the interviews were reported at the annual WHO conferences, and these findings helped improve the ICD-11 browser and reference guide.