Standards development
From operational need to published standard.
SMA's proposed development process is deliberately methodical: seven steps, each documented, with consultation and review built in rather than bolted on.
Proposed process
Seven steps, fully documented.
This process is proposed and will be formalised through SMA's governance arrangements. No SMA standard has yet completed it.
- 1
Identify an operational need.
A gap, hazard or recurring problem in salvage medicine is identified and documented, with evidence that a standard or guidance document would help.
- 2
Review legislation, standards and evidence.
Relevant law, existing international standards and published evidence are reviewed so SMA's work complements — never contradicts or replaces — applicable requirements.
- 3
Establish a technical working group.
A competent group is assembled with the clinical, operational and technical expertise the subject requires, with declared interests managed.
- 4
Consult stakeholders.
The draft is published for comment, and affected stakeholders — clinicians, operators, insurers, trainers, responders — are invited to respond.
- 5
Review feedback.
Every submission is considered by the working group, and an anonymised summary of feedback and how it was addressed is prepared.
- 6
Approve and publish.
The final document is approved through the designated governance process and published with its version and revision date.
- 7
Monitor and periodically review.
Implementation is monitored, operational learning is gathered, and each document is periodically reviewed and revised or withdrawn.
See the standards this process will produce.
The proposed SMA-MED series sets out the six standards currently in development.
Get involved
Contribute to a working group.
Expressions of interest from clinicians, salvage professionals and technical specialists inform future working-group invitations.