What is the purpose of medication reconciliation?

Medication reconciliation is a critical process aimed at reviewing and ensuring the accuracy of a patient's medication lists. This process involves comparing a patient's current medications with those ordered during a healthcare visit or transition, such as moving from one care setting to another or when being discharged from a hospital. The primary goal is to prevent medication errors, such as omissions, duplications, dosing errors, or drug interactions.

Ensuring accuracy in medication lists is vital because it helps healthcare providers understand exactly what the patient is taking, which can impact treatment decisions and patient safety. When discrepancies are identified, healthcare professionals can take appropriate actions to resolve them, ensuring that the patient receives safe and effective medication treatment.

Other options may address aspects of medication management, but they do not capture the comprehensive goal of medication reconciliation, which is focused specifically on maintaining accuracy and improving patient outcomes related to medication management.