Evaluating ICD-11 Against Established Terminology Standards: A Dual-Framework Analysis

Authors

• Kathy L. Giannangelo
• Susan H. Fenton
• Mary H. Stanfill

Language

English

Publication Date

3-2026

Journal

Informatics and Health

DOI

10.1016/j.infoh.2026.02.002

Abstract

Background

The healthcare world is evaluating and adopting the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems Eleventh Revision (ICD-11) for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics (MMS). The objective of this study is to evaluate the degree to which the ICD-11 Foundation and the ICD-11 MMS linearization adhere to accepted terminology practices.

Methods

This study consisted of an evaluation of the ICD-11 Foundation and ICD-11 MMS, using two established evaluation frameworks. Initial assessments were independently evaluated using publicly available documentation and designated one of five endpoints: meets criterion, partially meets criterion, does not meet criterion, criterion not applicable, or criterion not assessed. Publicly available sources were used to resolve discrepancies in initial criterion assessments during structured author consensus discussions.

Findings

Results showed the ICD-11 Foundation met or partially met 76 % of the NCVHS criteria, while ICD-11 MMS met or partially met 70%. For the TRC Matrix criteria, the Foundation met or partially met 76%, while ICD-11 MMS met or partially met 71 %.

Interpretation

The evaluation identified some important areas for improvement, such as formal methods for maintenance and updating. While ICD-11 is more comprehensive than WHO’s ICD-10, additional research is needed to access whether ICD-11 provides sufficient content coverage for country-specific ICD-10 modifications, as well as evidence of the cost-benefits and burden of use, adoption, and implementation.

Keywords

ICD-11, ICD-11 MMS, Classification, Desiderata, Terminology practice, World Health Organization

Published Open-Access

yes

Recommended Citation

Kathy L. Giannangelo, Susan H. Fenton, and Mary H. Stanfill, "Evaluating ICD-11 Against Established Terminology Standards: A Dual-Framework Analysis" (2026). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 847.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthshis_docs/847