Which safety practice involves reviewing the current list of medications a patient is taking?

Which safety practice involves reviewing the current list of medications a patient is taking?

• A. Medication reconciliation
• B. Medication simplification
• C. Medication auditing
• D. Medication diversification

Answer: (A)

The practice of reviewing the current list of medications a patient is taking is known as medication reconciliation. This safety process is crucial in ensuring that patients receive the correct medications during transitions of care, such as hospital admissions, transfers, or discharges. Medication reconciliation involves comparing a patient's current medication regimen with the new orders to identify any discrepancies, such as omissions, duplications, or potential interactions. This practice helps prevent medication errors and enhances patient safety by ensuring accurate and comprehensive medication management, ultimately reducing the risk of adverse drug events. By systematically capturing and cross-referencing medication information, healthcare providers can make informed decisions and improve overall patient outcomes. Other options, while related to medication management, do not focus specifically on reviewing and reconciling a list of medications for safety purposes.

The practice of reviewing the current list of medications a patient is taking is known as medication reconciliation. This safety process is crucial in ensuring that patients receive the correct medications during transitions of care, such as hospital admissions, transfers, or discharges. Medication reconciliation involves comparing a patient's current medication regimen with the new orders to identify any discrepancies, such as omissions, duplications, or potential interactions.

This practice helps prevent medication errors and enhances patient safety by ensuring accurate and comprehensive medication management, ultimately reducing the risk of adverse drug events. By systematically capturing and cross-referencing medication information, healthcare providers can make informed decisions and improve overall patient outcomes.

Other options, while related to medication management, do not focus specifically on reviewing and reconciling a list of medications for safety purposes.