A sentinel event is defined by the American healthcare accreditation organization The Joint Commission (TJC) as any unexpected event in a healthcare setting resulting in death or serious physical or psychological injury to a patient or patients, not related to the natural course of the patient's illness. Sentinel events specifically include loss of a limb or significant motor function and any incident where a repeat occurrence could pose a risk of a serious adverse outcome. Sentinel events are identified under TJC accreditation policies to aid in root cause analysis and help develop preventive measures.
Note: Once you have added a sentinel event, it cannot be removed.
Documenting a Sentinel Event:
1. Log in to your Student role, and select My Opportunities under the Opportunities tab. Find the opportunity with the sentinel event and open it by clicking Begin Documentation.
2. You will default to the Overview tab. Click the red Sentinel Event button on the top right.
3. Add your Comments.
4. Submit when finished.