Never Events In Nursing: The Importance Of Preventing Medical Errors

As a nurse, I have witnessed the devastating effects of medical errors on patients and their families. These mistakes are known as “never events” because they are preventable and should never happen. In this article, we will explore the concept of never events in nursing and discuss ways to prevent them.

What are Never Events?

Never events are serious, preventable medical errors that should never occur. They are typically events that result in serious patient harm or death. Some examples of never events include medication errors, wrong-site surgery, and patient falls.

Medication Errors

Medication errors are one of the most common types of never events. These errors can occur when a nurse administers the wrong medication, the wrong dose, or at the wrong time. In some cases, patients may receive medications that they are allergic to, which can have serious consequences.

Wrong-Site Surgery

Wrong-site surgery occurs when a surgeon performs a procedure on the wrong part of the body. This can happen when there is confusion over which part of the body needs to be operated on or when the surgery is performed on the wrong patient altogether.

Patient Falls

Patient falls are another common never event. These occur when a patient falls while under the care of medical staff. Falls can result in serious injuries such as broken bones or head injuries, especially in elderly patients.

Preventing Never Events

Preventing never events requires a comprehensive approach that involves everyone in the healthcare team. Some strategies that can be implemented to prevent never events include:

• Creating and following strict medication protocols
• Utilizing checklists to ensure that surgeries are performed on the correct site
• Frequent patient assessments to identify fall risks and take preventative measures
• Encouraging open communication between healthcare providers and patients

Never Events Awareness Day

Every year, on July 25th, healthcare organizations around the world celebrate Never Events Awareness Day. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about never events and promoting strategies to prevent them.

Events and Competitions

As part of Never Events Awareness Day, organizations often hold events and competitions to generate interest and participation. Some examples of events and competitions include:

• Poster contests to create awareness about never events
• Simulation exercises to train healthcare providers on preventing never events
• Community outreach events to educate patients on their role in preventing never events

Never Events Table

As part of the awareness campaign, healthcare organizations often create a never events table. This table lists the most common never events and provides information on how to prevent them. It is a valuable resource for healthcare providers and patients alike.

FAQs

Q: What should I do if I suspect a never event has occurred?

A: If you suspect a never event has occurred, it is important to report it to the appropriate authorities. This may include the hospital’s risk management department or state licensing board. Reporting never events can help prevent them from happening in the future.

Q: How can patients help prevent never events?

A: Patients can play an active role in preventing never events by being informed and engaged in their care. This includes asking questions about their medications, ensuring that surgeries are being performed on the correct site, and reporting any concerns they may have to their healthcare provider.

Q: What is the most common never event?

A: Medication errors are the most common type of never event, accounting for approximately 50% of all reported never events.

Never events in nursing are a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for patients and their families. By raising awareness, implementing preventative measures, and encouraging open communication, we can work towards reducing the occurrence of never events in healthcare.