What is the significance of medication reconciliation?

The significance of medication reconciliation lies in its primary goal of ensuring the patient's medication list is accurate. This process involves reviewing and verifying all medications a patient is taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and any changes that may have occurred during transitions in care, such as hospital admissions, transfers, or discharges. By ensuring accuracy, healthcare providers can prevent medication errors, such as omissions, duplications, and interactions, which can lead to adverse health outcomes.

An accurate medication list is crucial for making informed decisions about patient care and treatment plans. This step helps clinicians understand a patient's current therapy, assess the effectiveness of treatment, and manage any potential side effects or interactions, leading to enhanced patient safety and improved health outcomes.