Figure 3.

Proposed Strategy for SMM Data Collection and Categorization

-A potential multifaceted scheme for defining SMM based on weighted organ system complications (examples included not intended to be comprehensive), with distinct categories for hemorrhage and surgical complications and a healthcare utilization component

-Depending on the research question and data source, some or all elements may be included in a composite outcome, with an underlying conceptual structure translated into precise diagnosis/procedure codes and discrete utilization endpoints serving as common language for data collection and outcome comparison