Quality improvements based on detailed and precise terminology.

This article describes a comparative study within intensive care where possibilities for quality monitoring have been examined regarding the data input. The study compared the results of making quality statistics based on ICD10 and on SNOMED CT. The article describes the method deployed for defining the subset used in the study and how the data comparison has been established. The study shows that the use of a more granulated, precise and well defined terminology used in daily clinical work can help clinicians doing better quality monitoring and quality development and at the same time may reduce time and costs in quality management. The study shows further that the use of an international terminology can increase the possibilities of international benchmarking and research. The article ends up by drawing attention to some challenges which must be dealt with especially regarding reimbursement.