
Alarming Rates of Death, Permanent Harm, and Severe Temporary Harm
The Joint Commission's data for 2023 paints a concerning picture of patient safety in healthcare settings. Significant medical mistakes, known as Sentinel Events, came dangerously close to the record high set in 20221.
A Sentinel Event is defined as a "patient safety event that results in death, permanent harm or severe temporary harm."
Of the 1,411 reported and reviewed events during 2023:
18% resulted in patient death
57% of patients suffered severe temporary harm
8% were left with permanent harm
12% required extended hospital stays and additional treatment
Patient Falls Continue to Dominate Sentinel Events
For the fifth consecutive year, patient falls topped the list of Sentinel Events, comprising a staggering 48% of all reviewed cases in 20232. This marks a significant increase from 2019, when falls accounted for only 18% of Sentinel Events.
Preventable Tragedies: Common Causes
Many of these tragic events are preventable. Frequent causes include:
Communication failures
Failures in teamwork
Failure to adhere to standard policies and procedures
Top Sentinel Events in 2023
Patient falls
Wrong-site surgery, wrong procedure, wrong patient
Unintended retention of a foreign object
Assault/rape/sexual assault/homicide
Delay in treatment
Suicide
Fire/burns
Medication management
Perinatal events
Self-harm
The Importance of Consistent Care Practices
Patient safety is not "rocket science," but rather relies on consistently following common-sense practices and established procedures.
Healthcare providers must be disciplined and take the initiative to utilize simple communication techniques and adhere to standard policies that prevent unnecessary medical blunders from causing significant patient harm.
Conclusion
The alarming rates of preventable medical errors highlight the critical need for improved safety measures in healthcare settings. As medical malpractice attorneys, we are committed to justice, advocating for patients who have suffered due to negligence or errors in care.
If you or a loved one has experienced harm due to a medical error, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Source:
The Joint Commission "Sentinel Event Data 2023 Annual Review"
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