Abstract
The KC60 diagnostic code information provides an epidemiological monitor of sexually transmitted infection (STI) and a means of standardizing clinical workload in genitourinary medicine (GUM) departments.
We aimed to assess the coding process and its uniformity within the Trent region by means of a confidential self-administered coding exercise with simulated case presentations.
The correct coding for STIs ranged from 59.4% to 100% in different scenarios. Difficulty was identified in the coding of vulvitis and balanitis where no organism was isolated, as represented by a wide range of codes. HIV pre-test counselling without testing was coded by only 57.8% of respondents. Over 95% indicated correctly the first hepatitis B vaccine dose but 21% failed to code once only for the course.
Coding practice also varied within individual sites with a 21–100% discordance.
In parts diagnostic accuracy was good but there were areas of non-uniformity both within sites and cross-regionally. Regional discussions have resulted in increased training opportunities and guidelines have been developed to increase uniformity and achieve consensus in uncertain areas.
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