How does the Joint Commission’s Sentinel Event Policy define safety events in healthcare according to the chapter?
The Joint Commission’s Sentinel Event Policy defines safety events as those not primarily related to the patient's underlying medical conditions or illness.
The Joint Commission’s Sentinel Event Policy specifies that safety events are incidents that are not primarily related to the patient's underlying medical conditions or illness. This definition acknowledges that even when care is provided as intended, the outcome may not always align with the care team's expectations for the patient. This approach helps focus safety improvements on areas where the care process can be enhanced, rather than on the patient's existing health issues.
Key points
- Safety events are not primarily related to the patient's underlying conditions or illness.
- The policy recognizes that outcomes may not always match the care team's intentions.
- Focus is on improving care processes rather than existing patient conditions.
The Nexus between Nursing and Patient Safety
Cynthia A. Oster, Jane S. Braaten
Springer Nature Switzerland AG