Knowledge and attitudes of doctors in Basra governorate regarding the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10)
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Keywords
ICD-10, healthcare education, clinical documentation, professional training
Abstract
Background: The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), is a critical tool for standardizing health information globally. Despite its widespread adoption, gaps in understanding and application among healthcare providers persist, potentially affecting patient care and health system efficiency. Aim: To examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physicians regarding the implementation of the ICD-10 system Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge and attitudes of 67 healthcare professionals (27 specialists, 25 senior residents, eight general practitioners, and seven junior residents) from various medical settings in Basra, southern Iraq, including hospitals and clinics. Participants completed a questionnaire evaluating their familiarity with and application of ICD-10, particularly in tasks such as death certification. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with the Chi-Square Test employed to explore relationships between knowledge levels and demographic as well as professional variables. Results: While 61% of respondents reported familiarity with ICD-10, only 8% demonstrated “Good” proficiency in its application. A notable 60% exhibited “Poor” proficiency, particularly in death certification procedures. Statistical analysis found no significant correlation between professional role or years of practice and ICD-10 knowledge levels (Chi-Square values = 14 and 5.5, P-values = 0.1 and 0.9, respectively). The primary source of ICD-10 knowledge was self-education (54%), with formal training programs contributing minimally (15%). Despite recognizing the importance of ICD-10, only 14.9% of doctors regularly applied these standards in their practice, and 68.7% had never participated in any formal ICD-10 training. Conclusion: This study highlights a significant gap in the effective application of ICD-10 among medical professionals in Basra, pointing to systemic deficiencies in training and education. There is a critical need for comprehensive training programs and policy interventions to enhance ICD-10 understanding and usage. Strengthening these efforts could improve clinical documentation, patient care, and overall health system management, bridging the gap between the perceived importance of ICD-10 and its practical implementation
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