What term describes an event that causes death or major loss of function for a healthcare recipient?

The term that accurately describes an event causing death or major loss of function for a healthcare recipient is "sentinel event." In the context of healthcare, a sentinel event is an unexpected occurrence that results in serious injury or death to a patient, and it often indicates a significant problem within a healthcare system. These events signal the need for immediate investigation and response, as they can highlight underlying issues in patient safety and quality of care.

Sentinel events are considered critical learning opportunities for healthcare organizations, prompting evaluations of policies, procedures, and practices to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The focus on addressing sentinel events plays a crucial role in improving patient safety and enhancing overall healthcare delivery.

In contrast, while "adverse event" refers to any incident that results in harm to a patient (including those that may not be fatal), it does not specifically denote the severity of death or major loss of function that a sentinel event does. "Incident" is a broader term that encompasses any event, negative or positive, that affects patient care or outcomes. "Liability" pertains to the legal responsibilities associated with harm or negligence within a healthcare context but does not specifically define events that result in death or severe harm.