Medication Reconciliation

Medication reconciliation is a process where a healthcare professional compares a patient's medication orders to all of the medications that the patient has been taking to avoid medication errors such as omissions, duplications, dosing errors, or drug interactions.

Purpose

The purpose of medication reconciliation is to ensure that patients receive the correct medications at the right dose and frequency, and to prevent adverse events related to medication use. This process helps to:

• Prevent medication errors
• Improve patient safety
• Reduce adverse drug events
• Enhance communication between healthcare providers and patients

Steps Involved in Medication Reconciliation

The following steps are typically involved in the medication reconciliation process:

1. Gather information: Collect a list of all medications that the patient is currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements.
2. Verify medications: Verify the accuracy of the medication list with the patient or their caregiver.
3. Compare medications: Compare the medication list to the patient's current medication orders.
4. Identify discrepancies: Identify any discrepancies between the medication list and the current medication orders.
5. Reconcile discrepancies: Reconcile any discrepancies by making changes to the medication orders as needed.
6. Document changes: Document all changes made to the medication orders in the patient's medical record.

Key Components of Medication Reconciliation

The following are key components of the medication reconciliation process:

• Medication list: A comprehensive list of all medications that the patient is currently taking.
• Medication orders: The current medication orders for the patient.
• Patient interview: An interview with the patient or their caregiver to verify the accuracy of the medication list.
• Documentation: Accurate documentation of all changes made to the medication orders in the patient's medical record.

Benefits of Medication Reconciliation

The benefits of medication reconciliation include:

• Improved patient safety
• Reduced risk of adverse drug events
• Enhanced communication between healthcare providers and patients
• Better coordination of care

Settings Where Medication Reconciliation is Typically Performed

Medication reconciliation is typically performed in the following settings:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Nursing homes
• Home healthcare settings

Healthcare Professionals Involved in Medication Reconciliation

The following healthcare professionals are typically involved in the medication reconciliation process:

• Physicians
• Pharmacists
• Nurses
• Other healthcare providers