Development of WHO impairment grading system for Managing Leprosy Patients.

OBJECTIVES: We have developed a computerized WHO impairment grading for the clinical management of leprosy patients. The primary aim of this research is to redefine from the legacy disability grading to impairment grading recommended by ICF of WHO. METHODS: The degree of impairment can be determined at the moment of clinical examination and directly entered by a physician. The computation of impairment sum scores, cumulative reports and analysis can be automated. RESULTS: Annual report of health statistics is submitted with high degree of accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: WHO impairment grading and ICF terminology is found to be essential for the clinical management of leprosy patients, and can be a valuable basis for the development of information system in rehabilitation facilities.