What is the purpose of medication reconciliation?

The purpose of medication reconciliation is to ensure accuracy in medication lists. This process involves comparing a patient’s current medication regimen with new prescriptions or changes to ensure that there are no discrepancies. By maintaining an accurate list of medications, healthcare providers can prevent errors such as omissions, duplications, or inappropriate doses, which can lead to adverse drug events.

Accurate medication lists are crucial for effective patient care, especially during transitions of care, such as hospital admissions, discharges, or transfers between different healthcare settings. Medication reconciliation helps to maintain continuity of care, ensuring that patients receive the correct medications and dosages, and ultimately enhances patient safety and therapeutic outcomes.