What does the process of medication reconciliation involve?

The process of medication reconciliation primarily involves the comparison of a patient's medication orders to all current medications they are taking. This is a critical step in ensuring patient safety, as it helps to identify any discrepancies that may arise when a patient transitions between different healthcare settings, such as from hospitalization to home or to another facility. By thoroughly reviewing what medications the patient has been prescribed, along with what they are currently taking, healthcare providers can detect potential conflicts, duplications, or omissions. This promotes optimal therapeutic outcomes and reduces the risk of adverse drug events.

Recording new medications, eliminating unnecessary medications, and reviewing medication side effects are important aspects of medication management, but they do not encompass the full scope of medication reconciliation. The focus is specifically on the accurate comparison and verification of all medications to ensure continuity of care and patient safety.