What is the purpose of medication reconciliation?

Medication reconciliation is a critical process aimed at ensuring the accuracy of a patient’s medication list. This involves verifying and documenting all medications that a patient is currently taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements. The importance of this process lies in preventing medication errors, which can occur due to discrepancies between prescribed medications and what the patient is actually taking.

Accurate medication lists help healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding treatment, reduce the risk of drug interactions, and ensure that any changes in medication during transitions of care—such as hospital admission, discharge, or transfer—are appropriately managed. By maintaining up-to-date and comprehensive information about a patient's medications, healthcare professionals can enhance patient safety, improve outcomes, and facilitate better communication among the care team.