Classifications and terminologies

•  What are classifications and terminologies? 
•  Resources 
•  Australian Family of Health and Related Classifications Matrix 

The development of electronic transfer of health and health related data between different sites and users necessitates a standardised coding of structured information with clearly understood shared meanings. It is generally accepted that agreement on standard terminologies is essential to support this development.

What are classifications and terminologies?

A classification is a system of categories to which entities are assigned according to established criteria. Health classifications consist of hierarchical systems of codes. Classifications are created for a particular purpose in order to support data analysis. 

Health terminology is an over arching term that describes the whole sphere of language used in the health system. It includes both Clinical Terminology and Classifications and their components. 

Terminologies include interface terminologies (also referred to as nomenclatures or vocabularies), reference terminologies and aggregate terminologies. Classifications, depending on the nature of the individual classification, can be equated with either reference terminologies or aggregate terminologies. 

The essential components of each type of terminology are: 

• interface - A list of all words used in a field to describe the world as seen from the perspective of the users of the terminology, e.g. clinicians, service providers, etc. in the specified area. 
• reference - A list of terms, each of which has been chosen as the preferred way to refer to all it's synonyms as listed in the interface terminology. For example: We may choose the term 'urinary tract infection' to refer to other terms such as 'UTI' and 'cystitis'. 
• aggregate - A structured set of categorised terms. The definition of an aggregate terminology has been the subject of some discussion. One view equates an aggregate terminology with a classification. Another understanding separates an aggregated terminology from a classification by focusing on the different needs which are met by the two. Classifications have a top down focus, they identify logical groupings according to the needs of statisticians. Aggregate terminologies cater more closely to the needs of clinicians and information systems. 

The Australian Family of Health and Related Classifications Matrix contains classifications endorsed by the National Health Information Group for use in a range of health and related applications in Australia. Supporting this tool is a paper detailing the principles for inclusion in the Australian Family of Health and Related Classifications. This paper provides guidance to those wishing to propose a classification for inclusion in the Australian Family of Health and Related Classifications.

Last reviewed by in August 2006