The Societal Impact of Pain (SIP) releases a Join Statement outlining why the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11), is essential for healthcare systems and providing key recommendations for EU and national policymakers to ensure its timely implementation across the European Union. Notably, the Societal Impact of Pain (SIP), Pain Alliance Europe (PAE), European Academy of Neurology (EAN), and European Psychiatric Association (EPA) call upon EU and national policymakers to:
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- Ensure the full and effective implementation of ICD-11, ICF, and ICHI across all Member States.
- Accelerate the implementation of the European Health Data Space (EHDS).
- Ensure that all health systems (including healthcare services, health education, and research environments) use the most up-to-date and valid terminology.
- Recognise the impact of ICD-11 on patient care and health equity.
- Engage key stakeholders in the implementation process.
- Support people living with pain by providing greater transparency and awareness of pain within the healthcare system via ICD-11.
ICD-11 as a Positive Development for Healthcare Systems More Broadly
The recognition of chronic pain as a disease in “its own right” in the World Health Organization (WHO) 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), which came into effect in 2022, has been a key development for the field of pain. At the same time, ICD-11 also represents a major step forward in healthcare classification more broadly by providing greater detail, integrating terminology and classification into a single structure, and ensuring consistency across different languages and cultures.
One of the key advantages of this updated international standard diagnostic tool is the ability to systematically record, analyse, and compare mortality and morbidity data across different countries and regions over time. Additionally, ICD-11 enhances semantic interoperability, ensuring that recorded data can be reused effectively for various purposes, including clinical decision-making, resource allocation, reimbursement, and the development of guidelines.
ICD-11 as a Positive Development for Chronic Pain Patients
By recognising chronic pain patients’ condition, ICD-11 helps validate their experiences, reduce stigma, and alleviate the anxiety and uncertainty that often accompany seeking care or support. The improved accuracy and comprehensiveness of diagnoses introduced with the 11th revision will also allow patients to feel more confident that they will receive more personalised, effective care, and may ultimately ensure their access to treatments covered by health insurance.