Abstract
The incidence of ‘never events’ is challenging to quantify due to the remaining confusion that lies between the NQF and the CMS definitions. The former defines patient - centered events that must never occur, most being at least potentially preventable. The later is more financially driven and penalizes hospitals in which these events, in most part non preventable, occur. It is crucial that the general public understands the differences so as to avoid future law suits for non preventable never events occurrences. Physicians must drive the universal implementation of a culture of patient safety. This process should focus on positive behaviors with an emphasis on ‘always events’. These events should be standardized and validated.
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Cross, M.B., Mauffrey, C. (2014). Incidence of ‘Never Events’ and Common Complications. In: Stahel, P., Mauffrey, C. (eds) Patient Safety in Surgery. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4369-7_2
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