What is the significance of medication reconciliation?

Medication reconciliation is a critical process that ensures the accuracy and completeness of a patient’s medication information during transitions of care, such as admissions, transfers, or discharges. This practice is essential for preventing medication errors, such as omissions, duplications, dosing errors, or drug interactions, which can occur when patients move between different healthcare settings. By comparing the patient’s current medication list with new prescriptions, healthcare providers can identify discrepancies and make informed decisions about medication management.

This process also engages patients in their care, helping them understand their treatment plans and the importance of adhering to prescribed therapies. It ultimately contributes to improved patient safety and enhances the overall quality of care by ensuring that each healthcare provider has access to an accurate medication history, reducing the risk of adverse drug events during transitions.