What is the purpose of the 'medication reconciliation' process?

The purpose of the 'medication reconciliation' process is to maintain accurate medication lists during transitions of care. This process is essential in healthcare settings, particularly when patients move between different levels of care—such as from hospital to home or from one healthcare provider to another. It aims to ensure that all medications a patient is taking are accurately documented and compared against their previous medication lists, thereby preventing medication errors, such as omissions, duplications, or interactions.

By accurately reconciling medications, healthcare providers can provide continuity of care, enhance patient safety, and improve overall health outcomes. This process helps to verify which medications a patient should continue taking, which should be discontinued, and whether any new medications need to be added, thus creating a comprehensive and updated list that reflects the patient's current medication regimen. This focus on accuracy during care transitions is vital for effective communication and coordination among healthcare providers.