WHODrug Global course series

5.1. Coding with the WHODrug Global B3 format

The aim of this course is to introduce the essentials of standardised medicinal coding with Uppsala Monitoring Centre's (UMC's) Drug Dictionary WHODrug Global, including missing product requests, automated coding with WHODrug Koda, and best practices using the WHODrug Global B3 format. 
This course is part 5 in the series of WHODrug Global courses.

Note: If you are using the C3 format, please refer to the course "5.2. Coding with the WHODrug Global C3 format."
To enrol in this course, you must meet the following requirements:
  • You are affiliated with an organisation with an active subscription for UMC’s Drug Dictionary, WHODrug Global.
  • You have a personal user account. If you do not have a user account, contact your organisation’s Access Manager. If they are unable to help, or you do not know who your Access Manager is, contact UMC at support@who-umc.org.
      • Length: 1.5 hours
      • Target audience: WHODrug subscribers
      • Language: English
      • Award: Yes
      • Course level: Introductory
      • Course type: Self-paced

What you will learn

General coding principles

By the end of this module, you will be able to:
  • Explain the importance of coding medicines and vaccines in a standardised terminology.
  • List general principles for coding with WHODrug.
  • Recall the process when a drug appears to be missing in WHODrug.
  • Describe how to request changes in the WHODrug data using the Change request application.
  • Explain what Koda is and how it can be used when coding.
  • Recall where to find coding guidance from UMC.
  • Explain the importance of organisation specific coding conventions.

Coding with B3

By the end of this module, you will be able to:
  • Explain how to select the most accurate drug name from WHODrug.
  • Identify the output information when coding with the WHODrug B3 format.
  • Code product names, active substances, vaccines and herbal records in the WHODrug B3 format.
  • Code Non-unique names using differentiators in the WHODrug B3 format.

ATC selection

By the end of this module, you will be able to:
  • Recall different methods of handling ATC selection.
  • Describe how available reported information can be used to select the most suitable ATC code.
  • Recall the official ATC codes and the UMC-assigned ATC codes are equally valid to select.

What other
learners think 

Excellent training and supportive tools
anonymous learner
I like the courses, the interactive tasks and also the questions and quizzes, which are doable but also bit challenging.
anonymous learner
88% of the learners who completed the course found the course content very useful for their daily work
75% of the learners who completed the course rated it as an excellent course

Questions and answers

How long does it take to complete the course?

It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete this course.

Do I receive an award?

Learners that complete successfully the course, receive a confirmation of completion.

What course should I take next?

After completing this course, we recommend learners to register in the fourth course of the series "6. WHODrug Global data aggregation and analysis".

Will this course give me academic credit?

No, UMC is not an academic institution.

Where do I reach out if I face any issues or have further questions?

Please contact us here

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