Medication Reconciliation

This subject guide provides medication reconciliation education and support to Nova Scotia Health staff and physicians involved in medication management throughout all transitions of patient care.

What is Medication Reconciliation?

 

Medication reconciliation is a formal process in which health care providers work together with clients, families, and care providers to ensure that accurate, comprehensive medication information is communicated consistently across transitions of care.

It requires a systematic and comprehensive review of all the medications a client is taking to ensure that medications being added, changed, or discontinued are carefully evaluated.

Nova Scotia Health. (2022). Medication Reconciliation Policy (No. MM-SR-030).

Why Do We Need Medication Reconciliation?

A component of medication management, medication reconciliation informs and enables prescribers to make the most appropriate prescribing decisions for their clients.

Medication reconciliation is important for a number of other reasons, including:

  • Improved patient safety and mitigates harm

Transitions of care have been identified as a high-risk stage of the patient’s journey. Medication reconciliation during transitions of care has been shown to reduce:

    • Adverse drug events
    • Readmissions
    • ER visits
  • Efficiency and enhancement of the health care system
  • Accreditation ROP (Required Organizational Practice) compliance

Medication Reconciliation Policy - FAQs

Medication Reconciliation Policy - Highlights