> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.snomed.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.snomed.org/snomed-ct-practical-guides/implementation-maturity-framework-guide/framework-design.md).
# Framework Design
## Overview
The IMF is designed to be applicable across the full range of organisations involved in SNOMED CT implementation, while remaining precise enough to produce meaningful, actionable assessments. To achieve this, the framework is structured around three core design principles: it differentiates between distinct types of stakeholder, it organises assessment around defined areas of capability, and it uses consistent criteria to evaluate maturity within each of those areas.
The diagram illustrates a hierarchical maturity assessment framework used to evaluate organizational or process maturity across multiple stakeholders and key process areas.
* **Stakeholder Layer**
* At the top is the Stakeholder entity, representing the group or role being assessed.
* The “+ More” label indicates that multiple stakeholders can be included in the assessment model.
* **Key Process Areas (KPAs)**
* Each stakeholder is associated with one or more Key Process Areas (KPAs).
* KPAs represent major operational, governance, or capability domains being evaluated.
* The “More KPAs” indicator shows that additional process areas may exist beyond those displayed.
* **Assessment Criteria**
* Each KPA contains several Assessment Criteria (Questions).
* These criteria are the detailed evaluation questions or checkpoints used to measure maturity within the KPA.
* The “More Criteria” label indicates that each KPA can include additional assessment questions.
* **KPA Maturity Index**
* Responses from the assessment criteria are aggregated into a KPA Maturity Index.
* This produces a maturity score for each individual KPA.
* **Overall Maturity Level**
* The maturity indexes from all KPAs are consolidated into an Overall Maturity Level.
* This represents the final aggregated maturity score across the assessed domains.
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