A framework for evaluating health classifications.

Evaluation is important to evidence-based policy and practice in Health Information Management. Health classifications are important components of information systems and should be evaluated to determine their suitability for the task required. This paper provides a framework for evaluating health classifications that are used for statistical and reporting purposes. The framework revises and updates the fundamental principles that make health classifications effective. It also draws on other frameworks, where relevant, to reflect the influence that informatics has had on nosology. Principles are illustrated with examples, topical issues associated with some principles are discussed, and examples of evaluation in practice are provided.