Reversible intervention: reversible or not

The standard

A demonstrable reversibility requires that for each intervention it can be stated whether and how its effect could be taken back.

Criteria

  • The intervention names the state that preceded it
  • Its effect can be measured, not merely claimed
  • A reversal is describable, even where it is not carried out
  • It removes no component beyond recovery

Distinction

Reversible intervention ≠ intervention depth: depth measures how far a measure reaches, the demonstrable reversibility whether it can be taken back. Reversible intervention ≠ fining: fining removes matter for good and is therefore not reversible.