What is the main purpose of a medication reconciliation?

The primary purpose of medication reconciliation is to compare a patient's medication orders with the medications they are currently taking. This process is vital in healthcare settings, particularly during transitions, such as hospital admissions, transfers, or discharges, to prevent medication errors. It allows healthcare providers to identify discrepancies, such as omissions, duplications, or potential drug interactions. By ensuring that the medications prescribed align with what the patient is actually taking, medication reconciliation enhances patient safety and promotes effective medication management.

Other options, while relevant to healthcare practices, do not encompass the primary goal of medication reconciliation. Financial accuracy in billing is important in healthcare administration but is not the focus of medication reconciliation. Preparing a patient for surgery involves different assessments and protocols unrelated to current medication usage. Tracking medication side effects is also crucial for monitoring patient safety, but it is not the specific aim of the reconciliation process; instead, it relates more to ongoing patient management and support.