First experiences with ICIDH in Australia's largest nursing home

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Care
• Health Informatics
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Aged care facilities require robust systems for resident assessment and monitoring.
• Existing methods may lack the specificity needed for detailed clinical and research purposes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH) for resident coding in a large Australian aged care facility.
• To assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the ICIDH system in managing resident data.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the ICIDH framework to code 102 residents within a 625-bed facility.
• Adapted the ICIDH with minor modifications for local needs.
• Employed a computer program for data storage and retrieval (ICD diagnoses, impairments, disabilities, handicaps).

Main Results:

• The ICIDH system proved simple and effective for categorizing resident impairments and disabilities.
• Experienced nurses could code a dependent person in 30 minutes or less.
• The system allows for detailed data storage and retrieval.

Conclusions:

• The ICIDH coding system offers efficient surveillance of resident progress in aged care settings.
• It effectively highlights residents requiring clinical review and identifies candidates for management and research programs.
• This informatics approach enhances personalized care and research capabilities in geriatric facilities.