A retrospective approach to error analysis used to identify underlying sentinel events is known as:

Root cause analysis is a systematic process used to identify the fundamental reasons for undesirable events, particularly sentinel events, which are critical incidents that signal the need for immediate investigation and response. This approach delves into the sequence of events that led to the incident, allowing practitioners to uncover underlying issues in processes, systems, or behaviors that may not be immediately apparent.

By focusing on the root causes, healthcare professionals can implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence, enhancing patient safety and overall care quality. This method is integral to effective risk management and quality improvement initiatives in healthcare settings, as it promotes a culture of learning rather than blaming individuals.

The other choices, while related to improving practices in healthcare, do not specifically refer to the retrospective analysis aimed at uncovering underlying issues following sentinel events. Evidence-based practice is focused on integrating clinical expertise with the best available evidence, while meta-analysis involves statistical methods to summarize the results of multiple studies. Quality improvement encompasses various strategies to enhance healthcare outcomes but does not specifically target the identification of root causes behind sentinel events.