The problem with 'never events'. September 4, 2024

https://psnet.ahrq.gov/issue/problem-never-events The problem with 'never events'. Zaslow J, Fortier J, Garber G. BMJ Qual Saf. 2024;33(9):613-616. Never events are serious, but preventable, adverse events that result in serious patient harm or death. This article compares how organizations define never events with respect to preventability, presence and severity of harm, and public accountability. The authors discuss how varying definitions present challenges in conceptualizing and standardizing never event measurement and reporting.