The term Never Event has been around for over 20 years. These are serious and often “shocking medical errors.” Specifically, they are the types of things that should never happen.
For instance, say that a patient has a significant infection and comes in for amputation surgery on their left foot. It is supposed to prolong their life and increase their quality of living. But the surgeon reads the documentation incorrectly and performs wrong-site surgery, amputating the right foot. The patient has experienced a life-altering event that should never have happened and was only possible because of the surgeon’s negligence.
How do hospitals try to prevent Never Events?
Communication is the key to stopping Never Events from happening. For instance, there should be clear communication among all members of the surgical team. Documentation and patient records should be double-checked. The team should have systems in place to count surgical implements and things of this nature, preventing them from being retained after the surgery is complete.
Additionally, the medical professionals should clearly communicate with the patient. In many cases, a surgeon will talk with the patient in advance and have them draw specific marks on the part of the body where the surgery is to be carried out. This gives the patient a chance to voice any concerns, and the surgeon can check the marks for final confirmation before they actually begin the procedure.
Unfortunately, mistakes are sometimes made, and Never Events can occur. Those who have suffered harm—and their family members—may be able to seek financial compensation and need to know what legal steps to take.