Medication reconciliation is the process of comparing a patient's medication orders to all of the medications that the patient has been taking. For example, if you check into a hospital, the reconciliation is done to avoid medication errors such as omissions, duplications, dosing errors or drug interactions.

As a patient or patient representative, you have many steps you can take to protect yourself if you have a medical emergency and need to have your medications considered into your medical plan. Similarly, responsible hospitals are taking very serious measures to avoid potential medication errors as well.

What Can You Do To Avoid Medication Errors?

Most people believe their medications are archived in their “file.” While your medication information is documented by your doctor’s office, time is of the essence in a medical emergency. Four steps to take:

1. Keep detailed records of your medications and make sure your spouse or a trusted friend has access. These people should be your emergency contacts.
2. Let your emergency contacts know how to reach your physician.
3. Provide a written list to the hospital staff, who will put the information in your file in your hospital room. A comprehensive list of medications should include all prescription medications: herbals, vitamins, nutritional supplements, over-the-counter drugs, vaccines, diagnostic and contrast agents, radioactive medications, parenteral nutrition, blood derivatives and intravenous solutions.
4. Know that it’s okay to question everything and do your own research. It’s your health!

What Are Hospitals Doing To Avoid Medication Errors?

According to government data, more than 40 percent of medication errors are believed to result from inadequate reconciliation during admission, transfer and discharge of patients. Many of these errors can be averted with medication reconciliation processes. Here’s how it works:

For a newly hospitalized patient:

• Obtaining and verifying the patient’s medication history
• Documenting the patient’s medication history
• Writing orders for the hospital medication regimen
• Creating a medication administration record

At discharge:

• Post discharge medication regimen
• Developing discharge instructions for the patient for home medications
• Educating the patient
• Transmitting the medication list to the follow-up physician

For patients in ambulatory settings:

• Documenting a complete list of the current medications
• Updating the list whenever medications are added or changed

Just like anything that has to do with you, you are your most important advocate and the person who knows you best. That includes advocating for your health in the case an emergency should arise. With proper planning as well as giving those close to you access to the list of medicines you are taking, you will be in a much better position to rest easy.