The Joint Commission posts new sentinel event data

Editor's Note

The Joint Commission, on September 29, released new sentinel event data for the first 6 months of 2021.

The summary data of sentinel event statistics for the first half of 2021 covers 16,695 incidents reported from 1995 through June 30, 2021.

Of these sentinel events:

• 47% led to patient deaths
• 24% led to additional care
• 11% led to severe temporary harm
• 6% led to permanent loss of function
• 2% led to permanent harm
• 2% led to psychological impact.

The Joint Commission reviewed 569 sentinel events from January 1 through June 30, 2021—516 were voluntarily reported by an accredited or certified organization, and 53 were reported by patients, or their families, or employees of the organization.