Define "never events."

"Never events" are defined as serious incidents that are entirely preventable and reflect a significant failure in the safety processes within healthcare settings. These events are significant not only because they can cause harm to patients but also because they should never occur when proper safety measures are in place. Examples of never events include surgeries performed on the wrong body part, foreign objects left in patients after surgery, and administration of the wrong medication or dose.

The focus on preventing these events is crucial for maintaining patient safety and trust in healthcare systems. By identifying and addressing the underlying causes of never events, healthcare organizations can implement the necessary changes to avoid these serious oversights in the future, thus improving the overall quality of care provided to patients.