Preparation for the Implementation of the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision: A Survey on Clinical Coders' Knowledge of the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision, Educational Needs, and Readiness to Accept New Roles: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Aims

Studies have shown that the knowledge and skills of clinical coders impact the quality of clinical coding, and professional training for clinical coders is essential to ensure coding quality. Like other countries, Iran should establish the required infrastructure to promptly implement ICD-11. One of the essential infrastructures is clinical coders' familiarity with and skills in utilizing ICD-11. The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical coders' knowledge of ICD-11, their educational requirements, and their willingness to assume new responsibilities following the implementation of ICD-11.

Methods

This was a survey conducted during 2021–2022. A researcher-made questionnaire including five parts was applied as an instrument. Ten experts confirmed the content validity of the questionnaire, and CVR and CVI were applied to measure content validity. In addition, test retest was used to assess the reliability. A Likert scoring scale was used to measure the responses. The research population consisted of all clinical coders working in Iranian health facilities. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's χ², and Independent Samples t-test.

Results

Totally, 453 people responded to the questionnaire. Twenty-nine percent of the participants were familiar with the ICD-11. The relationship between the level of familiarity with ICD-11 and age, gender, ICD-10 coding skills, and work experience was not statistically significant. Moreover, the lack of training courses was the main reason for not being familiar with ICD-11. In addition, the participants believed that skill in using ICD-11 tools had more priority than other educational axes. According to the majority of clinical coders, they may not be ready to accept new roles if ICD-11 is implemented.

Conclusion

This study revealed that familiarity with ICD-11 was low. Therefore, a training program is necessary to meet the needs of the target groups for nationwide ICD-11 education.