Comment
CMS reimbursement rules regarding never events forced changes in the hospitals and methods of caring for patients in positive ways. While the term “never events” was coined by advocacy groups, CMS refers to these types of events as “reasonably preventable by following evidence-based guidelines” (Lembitz & Clarke, 2009).
This indicates that sometimes, even if the best of care is delivered, patients may still develop complications like DVTs, CAUTIs, CLABSIs, and the like. However, it is less likely that these events will occur if the practitioners follow the most recent evidence based practices for prevention.
For instance, starting patients on heparin, early mobilizations, and wearing SCDs after surgery to prevent a DVT instead of allowing the patient to lay around all day.
When CMS altered their reimbursement protocols, it forced hospitals to enforce the following of safety protocols and checklists by those delivering care to minimize the occurrence of these events. While, sadly, money was the motivator in order for this to come to fruition, it cannot be denied the positive impact it has had on patient care.
