Never events have a catastrophic impact on patients

Patients who seek medical care expect that the team taking care of them will do so in the best manner possible. They don’t expect that they’re going to become the victim of negligence.

One thing that can happen is a never event. These are things that shouldn’t ever happen to a patient. When they do, they can lead to catastrophic impacts on the patient.

What are some never events?

There are never events in every type of patient care. Each of these can be avoided when the medical team is doing things correctly.

Surgical never events

Surgical never events are those that occur during surgery or during aftercare. For example:

• Surgery on the wrong patient
• Surgery on the wrong part
• Wrong surgery performed
• Items left in the patient
• Improper post-procedure care resulting in death

Care management never events

Care management events are those that have to do with how a patient is monitored and how procedures are done while they’re receiving care.

• Artificial insemination with the wrong egg or sperm
• Medication errors
• Inappropriate monitoring during labor or delivery resulting in death or injury
• Falls while in a medical care setting
• Incorrect test results
• Serious pressure sores in a health care facility

Patient protection never events

Health care professionals should provide some protection for patients. Patient protection never events occur when they don’t meet bare minimum protection standards.

• Suicide or attempted suicide in a health care facility
• Patient elopement leading to death or catastrophic injury
• Discharge of an incapacitated person without an authorized caregiver

People who are harmed by negligent medical providers may choose to seek compensation for the financial damages they incur. Experienced legal guidance is wise.