What is the primary aim of medication reconciliation?

The primary aim of medication reconciliation is to prevent medication errors during patient transitions between care settings. This process is critical in ensuring that patients have an accurate and complete list of their current medications whenever they move from one healthcare environment to another, such as from a hospital to a rehabilitation facility or from a provider’s office to a pharmacy.

Medication errors can occur when patients are discharged from a setting and then receive incorrect medications or dosages because of incomplete or outdated information. The medication reconciliation process helps identify discrepancies between the medications patients were taking before a transition and those being prescribed afterward, allowing healthcare providers to address potential issues proactively.

By focusing on accurately maintaining medication lists and ensuring that patients understand their medication regimens, the reconciliation process reduces the risk of adverse drug events and enhances patient safety. It prioritizes effective communication between healthcare providers and patients, especially during vulnerable times when changes in care settings may occur.