Medication reconciliation is a process in which doctors or nurses collaborate with patients and their families to adjust prescriptions to the medications being administered, ensuring that medication errors do not occur.
This process is crucial to avoid medication errors, which can result in significant harm, both to the patient’s health and in terms of medical costs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), medication errors can incur costs of up to 42 million dollars, or approximately 642 billion annually. This amount is substantial, considering the potential dangers that could arise for patients. Therefore, healthcare professionals must ensure that medications are administered according to the "Five Rights" principle: the right patient, the right drug, the right route, the right dose, and the right time of administration.
Stages of Medication Reconciliation for Patients
There are at least four stages in the medication reconciliation process for patients. Below are the stages of medication reconciliation:
Data Collection
The first stage in the medication reconciliation process is recording and verifying the types of medications currently and will be used by the patient. This includes the medication name, dosage, and administration method, as well as when the medication was started, changed, continued, discontinued, any allergies, and any side effects the patient may have experienced.
All data should be collected from at least the last 3 months. In addition to prescribed medications, this stage also records the use of over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements the patient is taking.
Comparing Medication Data
In the second stage, healthcare professionals will compare the medications that have been, are being, or will be used with the new prescription. If there are any discrepancies or inconsistencies, such as missing, different, added, or changed medications without an explanation in the patient's medical records, healthcare professionals need to address this.
Confirming with the Doctor
If discrepancies arise between the medical records and the new prescription, healthcare professionals must immediately confirm with the doctor within 24 hours. Pharmacists also need to ensure whether the medication change was intentional or accidental.
Healthcare professionals must then record the reason for any discontinuation, delay, or change in medication made by the doctor in the patient's medical record. Finally, they will sign, date, and time the medication reconciliation to ensure the information is legitimate.
Communicating Medication Use
After all comparison and confirmation steps are completed, the pharmacist can explain any changes in the medication therapy to the patient, the patient's family, or the nurse. The pharmacist is fully responsible for the medication information provided.
Benefits of Medication Reconciliation for Patients
Medication reconciliation offers several significant benefits in the healthcare process. One of the key benefits is preventing medication errors. By reviewing and matching all medications used by the patient, medication reconciliation helps reduce the likelihood of medication errors that could be potentially fatal.
Additionally, medication reconciliation plays a major role in reducing the risk of side effects. By ensuring that the medication prescribed matches the patient's medical condition, it helps prevent side effects that could arise from improper medication use.
Another benefit is improving medication adherence. This process ensures that patients take medications correctly according to the doctor's instructions, making the treatment more effective.
Medication reconciliation also enhances communication between healthcare providers, patients, and families. Everyone involved gains a clearer understanding of the medications being used and the reasons for changes in therapy, which improves cooperation and comprehension in treatment.
Overall, medication reconciliation improves patient safety. It ensures that the medications provided are safe and appropriate for the patient's condition, thereby safeguarding the patient's well-being.