Critical steps in developing professional standards for the International Continence Society

Abstract

Aims: Standardization on the basis of systematic assessment of evidence has become an indispensable element of modern healthcare. International Continence Society (ICS) has initiated and produced extremely well cited standardization documents. The process of standardization is recently depicted in a published manuscript, to keep up with modern society healthcare demands. Methods: A narrative review of the ICS history and current state of standardizations for the terms, assessment and the management of patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction. Results: This article highlights the philosophy and the historical context of standardization and explains the core elements of modern day standardization. The article also demonstrates the scientific relevance of the ICS standards, on the basis of reference-counts. Conclusion: The history and the relevance of ICS standards are summarized.