Iris is an automatic system for coding multiple causes of death and for the selection of the underlying cause of death. It can be used in batch or interactively. The aim of Iris is twofold:

1. To provide a system in which the language-dependent aspects are separated from the software itself. Moreover, the language-dependent parts are stored in database tables and can easily be modified.
2. To improve international comparability. Iris is based on the international death certificate form provided by WHO in Volume 2 of ICD-10 and the causes of death are coded according to the ICD-10 rules. Updates to ICD-10 are included according to the WHO-timelines.

Through version 4 the Iris software uses components of the Mortality Medical Data System (MMDS) of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).

Since version 5 the Iris software uses the Multicausal and Unicausal Selection Engine (MUSE). MUSE operates based on internationally agreed decision tables which are based on the most recent version of ICD-10.

Iris can be used in two modes. In the code entry mode, the user enters ICD-10 codes corresponding to the conditions reported on the death certificates. Iris then selects the underlying cause. In this mode Iris is ready for use as soon as it is installed. In the text entry mode, the user enters the causes of death in free text, as they are reported on the death certificate. For text entry coding, you need a dictionary that translates text into ICD-10 codes. The advantage of including a dictionary is that once a decision has been made on which ICD-10 code to use for a specific diagnostic expression, the expression will be coded in the same way each time it occurs on a death certificate. Iris also provides means for language standardisation, which very much reduces the size of the dictionary. Note that an example of dictionary in English is provided with the international Iris version.

Please note: Iris uses ICD-10 codes and titles of WHO. It is not allowed to extract the ICD-10 codes and titles from Iris and duplicate and distribute them separately. All rights of the ICD-10 are at the WHO. If you would like to use the ICD-10 separately from Iris please contact the WHO for the conclusion of a license agreement.

You can access the software in the Downloads area. For more information about the Iris software, please contact the Iris Institute.

E-mail: Iris Institute