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7. Register of Health Coding Systems in use in Europe
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Background
The growing use of Information and Communication Technology results in more interchange of data and information in machine
processable formats.
The representation of data and information in coded form facilitates their processing by computers, just as it enables them to be
expressed with a precision and independence from language that otherwise prove difficult to achieve. Coded representation is
therefore frequently used in information interchange e.g. in eHealth applications.
- Motivation
There are many coding systems in use in health, and it will most probably remain so for a long time since international
adoption of a single coding system for each different type of health information is impossible (coding systems often serve
different goals).
Therefore, when interchanging data, information or knowledge, it is necessary to unambiguously identify the coding systems
used for their representation. This register will provide a first level of response to such need.
The registration procedure is also intended to discourage the unnecessary proliferation of coding systems used for the
interchange of health information. Whenever a recognised coding system is in use, it could be recommendable to try and use
it for a similar topic, instead of inventing a new one from scratch.
- A European standard for the registration of coding systems
The European standard EN 1068:2005 "Health Informatics - Registration of Coding Systems" published by CEN, the European
Standardisation Body, specifies a procedure for the registration of coding systems used for defined health purposes, and it
provides a mechanism to assign a unique Health Coding System Designator (HCD) to each one of them.
EN 1068:2005 is implemented in a context where, to date, there has been no other successful implementation of any International
Standard addressing the same needs and this while there is an urgent need to facilitate information interchange in health within
Europe.
It is nevertheless recognised that the subject is a matter for world-wide co-operation. Within the framework defined by
ISO/IEC 11179-6, this register is to be considered as sectoral --for health--, and regional --at least for Europe--.
The European Institute for Health Records has been designated by CEN as the Registration Authority for EN 1068:2005, with the
task of implementing that comprehensive register of health coding systems used in Europe, and making it available to all those
parties who may benefit from the information it contains.
- Disclaimer
At this early stage, this European register does not provide the full list of code values and code meanings within each coding
system that it references.
Nor does this European register of health coding systems specify any mandated use of coding systems in a defined context or
describe methods for storing or conveying information in coded form in messages or Electronic Health Records.
Another register, the one of Archetypes will also be provided as a EuroRec service.
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