Sentinel Events

Sentinel Events

Purpose Statement

We have to accept the fact that all through our lives , we may come face to face with unexpected events , and that it would not be an uncommon phenomenon . The probability of such occurrences tends to increase in the field of medicine and nursing . This article focuses on sentinel events their occurrences , and the preventive measures we can take to prevent their occurrence in the near future . It brings out the aim of focusing on the nursing so as to prevent these events

What is a sentinel

event

According to the joint commission on accreditation of healthcare organizations (JCAHO ) a sentinel event is defined as an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury or the risk thereof (JCR , 2008 ,

. 166 ) Usually the limb or the legs are the affected regions . So it is clear that such an incident , when it occurs needs immediate response and treatment

How do such events occur and its importance to nursing

The sentinel events occur due to the negligence of doctors , nurses and the hospital management . When a patient is denied any part of his treatment sentinel events could occur . 75 of the people die due to these unexpected occurrences . 60 of the people suffer injuries (JCR 2008 ) And for a nursing team to be considered reliable , it is extremely important that they take care to avoid sentinel events under their noses

When a medical error occurs and it causes harm to a patient , a sentinel error...