Introduction
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Clinical terminology and classification systems support the recording of information in a consistent way, by using a ‘common language’. Using a standardised vocabulary is important in facilitating the precise recording of clinical information, which has implications for improving the quality of healthcare. It also facilitates the accurate recording of clinical content in electronic health records, and has benefits for the use of the data for secondary purposes, such as the planning and commissioning of services.
Standardised terminologies comprise structured vocabularies, terminologies, code-sets and classification systems, to represent health concepts. There are a number of different clinical terminology classification systems available for different purposes and different levels of detail, including ICD-10 / ICD-11 and SNOMED CT.
The RCSLT SNOMED clinical terminology project
SNOMED CT (Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms) is a standard clinical terminology used internationally. SNOMED CT provides a comprehensive set of clinical terms used across healthcare, which are linked to show relationships between terms. This includes terms to denote diagnoses, symptoms, treatments and terms used for healthcare administration.
The RCSLT is undertaking a review of the terms in SNOMED that are relevant to speech and language therapy. We are aware that some of the terms contained in SNOMED are no longer in line with current usage and there are terms missing that are important for speech and language therapists. Our initial focus is to agree a list of preferred terms for the profession to use when collecting data about speech and language therapy diagnoses. If you would like to know more about the project please log in or contact the Outcomes and Informatics Team via info@rcslt.org
Resources
More information about SNOMED CT is available from SNOMED International and NHS Digital, including online resources:
The clinical terms related to speech and language therapy in SNOMED CT are available online:
- Speech and language diagnostic procedures
- Speech and language related findings
- Speech and language therapeutic interventions
- Speech and language therapy assessment observables
- Speech and language therapy procedures
- Speech and language therapy goals
More information about ICD10 and ICD11 is available from the World Health Organisation.
