[Study on classification and coding for public health information].
OBJECTIVE
To improve data unified descriptions, identification, query and management in public health service by means of establishing public health information classification framework and coding system.


METHODS
Data sets created from all fields in public health, scientific research, health management were classified into four layers of frameworks primary class, sub-class, main class and subject areas by means of integration of vertical with horizontal classifications. All these classes were further abstracted, merged and coded by individual characteristics in public health systems.


RESULTS
(1) 4 subject areas in diseases control and prevention, public health service, public health management and sanitation surveillance were established including a total of 18 main classes, 49 sub-classes and 205 primary classes. (2) 7 digits and 4 segments (area code, code, disease classification code) were designed including a total of 30 digits multi-classification codes. The purpose of data effectively classifying and coding by application of 50 basic data sets in 9 areas fo public health has been realized.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe that this method is of efficiency in data classification and code for public health information communication.
Liu
Li-hua
LH
Department of Health Statistics, General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China.
Jin
Shui-gao
SG
Guo
Jing
J
D049228:Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System; D040442:Public Health Informatics / Q000145:classification* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*