What term refers to a healthcare event that requires systematic investigation because it results or could result in patient harm?

• A. Root cause analysis
• B. Sentinel event
• C. Risk management
• D. Event investigation

Answer: (B)

Sentinel events are patient safety incidents that result in death or serious harm, or have the potential to cause such harm, and they require a formal, systematic investigation to uncover underlying causes and prevent recurrence. This designation is specifically about the event that triggers a mandatory, thorough review, typically including a root cause analysis, to identify systemic factors and implement corrective actions.

Root cause analysis is the investigation method used after a sentinel event to determine why the event occurred, not the term for the event itself. Risk management covers broader strategies to reduce risk across the organization, not the specific mandate to investigate a sentinel event. Event investigation is a general process and does not carry the formal, mandated designation that prompts immediate, structured review.