The Joint Commission adopted a formal Sentinel Event Policy in 1996

to help hospitals that experience serious adverse events improve safety and learn from those sentinel events. Careful investigation and analysis of Patient Safety Events, as well as evaluation of corrective actions, is essential to reduce risk and prevent patient harm. The Sentinel Event Policy explains how The Joint Commission partners with health care organizations that have experienced a serious patient safety event to protect the patient, improve systems, and prevent further harm. Do you believe the Sentinel Event Policy has had any effect on patient safety? State why?