What is defined as a Sentinel Event in healthcare?

A Sentinel Event in healthcare is specifically defined as an event that leads to a patient’s death or serious harm. These events signal the need for immediate investigation and response because they indicate a significant safety issue within the healthcare system. The occurrence of such events calls for a comprehensive analysis to understand the underlying factors that contributed to the sentinel event with the goal of preventing future incidents.

The correct choice highlights the critical nature of these incidents, which often indicate systemic problems and necessitate action from healthcare organizations to improve practices and safeguard patient welfare. By focusing on events that result in serious harm or loss of life, healthcare organizations can identify risks and implement changes aimed at enhancing patient safety and quality of care.