The Joint Commission estimates that up to 80% of sentinel events are caused by communication failures, either between those providing treatment or between providers and their patients. These sentinel events cause untold harm to healthcare facilities and especially their patients. They cost lives and money and can tarnish the reputation of a good standing healthcare facility, which is why they need to be addressed and prevented in the most effective way possible. 

Since many sentinel events are rooted in communication errors, this makes hospital whiteboards, useful communications aids, all the more important in hospital settings. 

What Are Sentinel Events? 

 Sentinel events, as defined by The Joint Commission, is any event in a healthcare facility that results in death, permanent harm, or severe temporary harm of a patient, which then requires life-sustaining intervention. According to The Joint Commission, sentinel events can include everything from falls to surgical errors, medication errors (i.e. incorrect medication or amounts given), delays in treatment, and other patient injuries that occur while in a healthcare facility’s care. 

Studies have shown that sentinel events can result in unexpected additional care, permanent loss of function, temporary and permanent harm, and psychological impacts on a patient’s wellbeing. Each of these cost facilities time, money, and other resources. This is all on top of being a contributing factor in low HCAHPS scores, which can severely limit the reimbursements facilities receive on an annual basis.

The Major Causes of Sentinel Events 

 There are numerous causes of sentinel events, and many of them have their roots in communication errors and issues that occur during a patient’s stay in a facility. The Joint Commission identifies the leading causes of sentinel events as: