SEAPI QMM incontinence classification system

Outcome of therapy for many incontinent patients is persistently difficult to assess in spite of a large published literature. One problem is that each institution describes patient populations and outcomes based on its own system, thus, valid comparisons between institutions cannot be made. To help to resolve this problem we are proposing a standardized classification system for incontinence. The system is analogous to the TNM system for tumor staging. Each letter of SEAPI QMM represents an aspect of incontinence, and each factor is assigned a number grade. Zero represents no symptom, problem, or abnormality while 1, 2, and 3 represent mild, moderate, or severe problems, respectively. This proposed system does not cover every aspect of urinary incontinence, however it can be used as a base for further development of a uniform method to grade and stage urinary incontinence. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.