Which of the following events would be categorized as a sentinel event?

A sentinel event is an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury, or the risk thereof, that signals the need for immediate investigation and response. In this context, the event of an inpatient suicide is classified as a sentinel event because it represents a tragic and unexpected outcome that directly impacts patient safety and raises significant concerns about the effectiveness of care.

Recognizing inpatient suicide as a sentinel event calls for a thorough review of the circumstances that led to the incident, assessing potential systemic issues that may have contributed to this outcome, and implementing changes to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This aligns with the overarching goal of quality improvement in healthcare settings, which is to ensure patient safety and enhance the quality of care provided.

In contrast, the other listed events do not fit the definition of a sentinel event. For example, patient satisfaction survey results are important for assessing service quality but do not typically reflect immediate risks to patient safety. Weekly staff meetings focus on operational issues and communication among staff, and routine health screenings are preventive measures that promote health but do not indicate an unexpected or serious adverse event.