What is a process of comparing medications a patient is taking with newly ordered medications called?

The process of comparing medications a patient is currently taking with newly ordered medications is referred to as medication reconciliation. This practice is crucial for ensuring patient safety, as it helps to resolve discrepancies that may arise when there are changes in medication regimens, such as during transitions of care (e.g., hospital admissions, discharges, or transfers).

Medication reconciliation involves a systematic review of all medications a patient is on, which includes identifying any potential interactions, omissions, duplications, or dosage errors. This careful comparison helps to confirm that the new medication orders are appropriate and safe for the patient's health condition. By doing so, healthcare providers can prevent adverse events related to medication errors, ultimately enhancing the quality of patient care.

While terms like medication monitoring, medication review, and medication assessment may involve aspects of evaluating medications, they do not specifically address the comprehensive comparison and resolution of medication discrepancies that are essential to medication reconciliation. Thus, medication reconciliation stands out as a critical component of safeguarding patients from medication-related risks.