When is medication reconciliation conducted?

Medication reconciliation is an essential process that involves comparing a patient's current medication list against the medications that they should be taking at different points in their care journey. This ensures that any discrepancies are identified and addressed, thereby reducing the risk of medication errors and improving patient safety.

Conducting medication reconciliation at the time of initial assessment, reassessment, and during transitions of care is a best practice that captures critical moments in a patient's treatment lifecycle. During the initial assessment, healthcare providers get a comprehensive understanding of a patient's medication history before beginning treatment. Reassessments are also vital, as they allow for updates in the patient's medication regimen in response to changes in health status. Transitions of care, such as moving from hospital to home or from one healthcare setting to another, are particularly high-risk times for medication errors, making reconciliation crucial at those points.

By adhering to this practice, healthcare providers can ensure that patients are taking the correct medications at every stage of their healthcare journey, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.