Using ICD-IO-AM codes to characterise hospital-acquired complications

Jude L. Michel, Hong Son Nghiem, Terri J. Jackson

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

30 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper describes the limitations of using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification (ICD-IO-AM) to characterise patient harm in hospitals. Limitations were identified during a project to use diagnoses flagged by Victorian coders as hospital-acquired to devise a classification of 144 categories of hospital acquired diagnoses (the Classification of Hospital Acquired Diagnoses or CHADx). CHADx is a comprehensive data monitoring system designed to allow hospitals to monitor their complication rates month-to-month using a standard method. Difficulties in identifying a single event from linear sequences of codes due to the absence of code linkage were the major obstacles to developing the classification. Obstetric and perinatal episodes also presented challenges in distinguishing condition onset, that is, whether conditions were present on admission or arose after formal admission to hospital. Used in the appropriate way, the CHADx allows hospitals to identify areas for future patient safety and quality initiatives. The value of timing information and code linkage should be recognised in the planning stages of any future electronic systems.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)18-25
Number of pages8
JournalHealth Information Management Journal
Volume38
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Using ICD-IO-AM codes to characterise hospital-acquired complications'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this