What does ’foreign object retention’ signify in patient safety?

'Foreign object retention' refers to the unintended retention of surgical instruments or materials within a patient's body after a procedure. This situation is a significant patient safety concern, as it can lead to serious harm or life-threatening complications. The designation of this scenario as a sentinel event emphasizes its gravity; such events are defined by their potential to cause significant harm or death and should prompt immediate investigation and action to prevent recurrence.

The focus on this aspect of patient safety highlights that foreign object retention is not merely a routine occurrence or an expected complication of surgery, but rather an alarming incident that indicates a breakdown in quality control procedures and patient care protocols. It reflects the necessity for surgical teams to conduct thorough counts of instruments and materials before and after procedures and to adhere to stringent protocols aimed at preventing such occurrences.

While administrative errors can contribute to such situations, the definition of foreign object retention transcends mere administrative oversight, highlighting it as a critical issue within the healthcare system that must be actively addressed to safeguard patient well-being.