What is the main purpose of conducting medication reconciliation?

The main purpose of conducting medication reconciliation is to prevent drug interactions and duplications. This process involves reviewing a patient's complete medication list whenever there is a transition in care, such as a hospital admission, discharge, or transfer to another healthcare setting. By ensuring that healthcare providers have an accurate and up-to-date list of all the medications a patient is taking, the risk of potentially harmful interactions between drugs is minimized.

Medication reconciliation is crucial in identifying medications that may be duplicative or contraindicated based on the patient's current health status and condition. This not only enhances patient safety but also supports the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment plan. By preventing adverse drug events, the healthcare team can provide better care and outcomes for patients.

While ensuring correct dosage and administration, improving customer satisfaction, and fulfilling regulatory requirements are important aspects of pharmacy practice, the primary objective of the reconciliation process remains focused on the identification and prevention of drug interactions and duplications.