The ICD Platform: end-user and developer tools

Abstract Background The development of the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases, has been widely based on computerized tools, marking a strong departure from previous paper-based procedures. The rationale behind this move is a strategic attempt to prompt and facilitate the integration of classifications into healthcare information systems. The overall ICD-11 platform includes components aimed at end-users and developers, as well as tools for classification authoring and maintenance. The present paper focuses on the former components only. Results The designed ICD-11 platform includes software modules at different levels of abstraction, all sharing some basic principles: multilingualism, support of multiple versions of the classification, and support of postcoordination. All the modules, their usage, and the distribution methods are described. Conclusions For the first time, the release of an ICD classification revision is not made through printed books, but through a series of computer-based tools with their digital documentation. First examples of tools and API adoption in third-party systems have already surfaced, suggesting that the overall approach could be appropriate for the deployment strategy, further facilitated by the open access policy for ICD-11.