What is the difference between a sentinel event and a near miss?

The distinction between a sentinel event and a near miss lies primarily in the outcomes associated with each. A sentinel event is an unexpected occurrence that results in death or serious physical or psychological harm to a patient, or the risk thereof. This means that a sentinel event not only indicates a significant error occurred but also that it led to severe consequences for the patient.

In contrast, a near miss refers to a situation where a potentially harmful incident was avoided, usually due to timely intervention or some fortuitous circumstance. A near miss does not result in any injury or harm to the patient. Therefore, the correct understanding is that while a sentinel event leads to serious harm, a near miss does not result in any injury, highlighting the critical difference between the two. Understanding this distinction is essential for quality and performance improvement in healthcare settings, as it helps organizations focus on mitigating risks and improving patient safety.