[Use of ICD-9 in Norwegian hospitals. A questionnaire].

In 1988 a questionnaire was sent to every Norwegian clinical department to obtain a nationwide overview of the current use of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9), as recommended by the Director General of Health. The departments were asked about coding and registration routines, follow-up and control, and if they provided training in using the ICD-9. Questions were also asked concerning the advantage of the classification, any difficulties encountered, and if abbreviated code lists had been made for everyday use. Other comments were also welcomed. The main results of the study show that the majority of clinical hospital departments now use ICD-9. About 65% of the departments who took part in the study find it a useful tool, but there is no marked general enthusiasm.