What is the primary role of medication reconciliation?

The primary role of medication reconciliation is to ensure accurate and comprehensive medication records during patient transitions. This process is critical for preventing medication errors, avoiding adverse drug events, and promoting patient safety.

When a patient moves between different healthcare settings—such as from a hospital to a rehabilitation facility or from a specialist back to a primary care provider—there is a risk that information about their medications may be lost or miscommunicated. Medication reconciliation involves reviewing the patient's current medication list, comparing it with new prescriptions, and clarifying any discrepancies. This ensures that every healthcare provider involved in the patient's care has a clear and accurate understanding of the medications the patient is taking, facilitating better patient outcomes and continuity of care.

This process is especially important during transitions, as it can significantly reduce the potential for errors that could lead to harmful side effects or ineffective treatment regimens. Ensuring accuracy in medication records contributes to better overall management of a patient's health.