The Montpellier WHO Collaborating Centre for Classification Scientific Support
In June 2018, the WHO Collaborating Center (WHO CC) for the Scientific Classification Support (CSS) was established at the University Hospital of Montpellier, headed by LKT and PD (42). This designation is the result of recognition by WHO of all the efforts ofthe ALLERGY in ICD-11 initiative and is intended to provide academic, research and scientific support to WHO in the implementation, refinement and maintenance of the WHO-FIC in the areas of our expertise. Furthermore, LKT has been co-opted by WHO into the small Medical and Scientific Advisory Board recently created to support the maintenance of ICD-11 and other WHO FIC classifications (43).
The WHO-FIC (Family of International Classifications) Network CC also assists WHO in the revision and development of ICD and other WHO reference classifications (38). The Montpellier WHO CC for A/H is involved in national and international initiatives in order to ensure quality implementation of ICD-11 and other WHO international classifications, taking A/H as a model. These include education modules to support quality of classification and coding under the new framework and collaboration work with other institutions. In this context, we here present the outcomes of a engagement process involving the allergy community in which the principal terms and definitions of the pioneer Allergic and hypersensitivity conditions section of the ICD-11 could be scrutinised. This step is critical for the implementation process by strengthening awareness and preparing the allergy community for ICD-11.
ONE VOICE FOR THE ALLERGY COMMUNITY IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ICD-11
To reach out the allergy community worldwide, we developed a web-based survey in English, which was launched via Internet and circulated for 7 weeks (August to October 2019). The survey was anonymous and voluntary. An online questionnaire was constructed using GoogleDocsR, enabling responses to be recorded in a unique database. We sent out an introduction letter containing a link to the questionnaire unique to each participating member. We received help from a number of relevant international and national academies in distributing the survey among their members. The link directed respondents to a page explaining the purpose of the survey. A reminder was sent out after 4 weeks. The survey has been disseminated by e-mail and by social media.
Of the 35 questions, 6 related to the utility of ICD and 15 to the content of the Allergic and hypersensitivity conditions section, specifically the nomenclature and definitions of the main conditions in each of the 6 principal domains: i) allergic or hypersensitivity disorders involving the respiratory tract; ii) allergic or hypersensitivity disorders involving the eye; iii) allergic or hypersensitivity disorders involving the skin and mucous membranes; iv) allergic or hypersensitivity disorders involving the digestive tract; v) anaphylaxis; and vi) complex allergy disorders (drug, food and Hymenoptera hypersensitivity) (Annex 1).
The following numeric scoring system was used: 0 (not at all accurate), 1 (low accuracy, but possible to use), 2 (acceptable accuracy), 3 (good accuracy) and 4 (extremely accurate). We originally planned to analyse the responses for each of the 6 domains but realised on receipt of the responses that it would be necessary to amalgamate some domains in order to facilitate the communication of the results.