Ontario Registered Pharmacy Technician (RphT) Practice Exam

Medication reconciliation refers to the process of ensuring that a patient's medication lists are accurate and up-to-date during transitions of care, such as when a patient is admitted to a hospital, discharged, or transferred between healthcare settings. This process is critical in preventing medication errors, ensuring that patients continue with the right medications, and avoiding adverse drug events.

During medication reconciliation, healthcare providers review all medications the patient is currently taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. This helps to identify any discrepancies, such as omissions or duplications, and allows the healthcare team to verify that the patient is on the correct therapy based on their health status and needs.

The importance of this process cannot be overstated, as inaccurate medication lists can lead to serious health risks. By confirming and updating medication information, healthcare providers can improve patient safety and continuity of care.