Final answer:
The SMI calculation uses DRGs and their associated RWs, much like the CMI calculation, to assess patient mortality rates relative to illness severity and complexity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The SMI (Standardized Mortality Index) calculation is similar to CMI (Case Mix Index) calculation but uses DRGs (Diagnosis-Related Groups) and their associated Relative Weights (RWs). This is an important methodology used in the healthcare industry to assess the expected mortality rates of a hospital's patient population, taking into account the complexity and severity of the illnesses being treated. While the SMI focuses on mortality, the CMI primarily measures the overall cost and resource consumption of a hospital or other healthcare provider.