Dear Elaine,

try first time e. g. : 

http://www.dermnetnz.org/doctors/principles/overview.html,

for "Classification of skin diseases": 

http://www.dermnetnz.org/doctors/principles/overview.html#class

Further reading perhaps: 

http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/cebd/documents/hcnaskinconditionsuk2009.pdf

https://www.bad.org.uk/shared/get-file.ashx?itemtype=document&id=795

https://www.bad.org.uk/shared/get-file.ashx?itemtype=document&id=794

http://www.rooksdermatology.com/fragr_image/media/chapter5

and others 

(e.g. just put

Dear Elaine,

the BAD-Index is an attempt to provide useful clasification hierarchies and map them to ICD-10, too. However, more recent effort was to implement a proper classifiaction of skin diseases into the ICD.

The ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases) itself is not as good as a reference for having a comprehensive and up-to-date model of what one would like.

The WHO has invoked a process for revision of the ICD moving towards the ICD-11. Within this process a Topic Advisory Group for Dermatology has created a Classification Model for skin diseases, you might want to have a look at:

http://apps.who.int/classifications/icd11/browse/l-m/en

Although it is still in beta phase, it might give some idea and reference of what could be used, since it is based upon state-of-the-art sources for the particular classification structures.

Regards, Michael

Dear Wolfgang, thanks for your response but I still can't find the BAD index- the top two links you suggested was the page I had initially found, which says that this index exists but doesn't give me enough detail to use in for my study. However in one of the other links you suggested it seems that using the ICD-10 might be an option. Does anyone know if this is generally used in routine clinical practice in dermatology? 

Dear Michael, 

that is helpful to know, thank you. 

Dear Elaine,

I am sorry that my reply (01) did not end up with satisfying access to information you need.

Michael Weichenthal has already pointed you to an alternative (which I found really interesting and valuable)

The only possibility I can recommend now is the following (assuming that within the  Diagnostic Index Spreadsheet - IS - the tabellar information you need):

as it seems that the BAD-Index you need is only available to members of the BAD

[please cf. for such also: http://www.bad.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/education/medical-students ]

cf:  http://www.bad.org.uk/search?search=Coding                        

reveals:

Information (3 items)

1) Diagnostic Index Spreadsheet   @  

http://www.bad.org.uk/login.aspx?destination=http%3a%2f%2fwww.bad.org.uk%3a8080%2fpage.aspx%3fsitesectionid%3d945%26sitesectiontitle%3dDiagnostic%2bIndex%2bSpreadsheet 

Description:

Diagnostic Index Spreadsheet The British Association of Dermatologists' Index of Dermatological Diagnoses (BAD Index) was first published in paper and simple electronic table form in 1994. It came about as a result of the dissatisfaction felt by many dermatologists at the limitations of existing diagnostic coding systems, such as the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases (ICD), for use in dermatology. It built upon the pioneering work of Alan Shrank, Suzanne...

but is accessible only by  (members' zone)

So it might be useful and worth a try (also as a student at the Univ. of Sheffield, Great Britain, UK)   to contact:

British Association of Dermatologists,                                                                       Willan House    4 Fitzroy Square,        

 London    W1T 5HQ                                        

 Tel: +44 (0)207 383 0266          Fax: +44 (0)207 388 5263  mail: [email protected]

or follwing instructions on: http://www.bad.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/education/medical-students 

Hope this to be of help anyway,

regards and good luck,

Wolfgang

If you're still interested in the BAD index, please send a request to Robert Chalmers, University of Manchester, who might help you out..

[email protected]

Best, MW

Thanks Wolfgang and Michael, that's helpful. Good to know why I couldn't find the BAD index before! 

Best wishes, 

Elaine

Dear Elaine, you're welcome,

best wishes & regards,

Wolfgang