What is the process of ensuring a patient's medication lists are accurate and up to date?

The correct process for ensuring that a patient's medication lists are accurate and up to date is medication reconciliation. This process involves comparing the medications a patient is currently taking with a new medication order to identify and resolve discrepancies. It is critical especially during transitions of care, such as when a patient is admitted to a hospital, discharged, or transferred between facilities.

Medication reconciliation is not just about listing medications but ensuring that the list reflects what the patient is actually using, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, while also identifying any potential interactions or contraindications with new prescriptions. This practice enhances patient safety by preventing medication errors and ensuring continuity of care.

Other options, while related, do not specifically refer to the comprehensive process of updating and verifying a patient's entire medication regimen. For instance, a medication audit may involve reviewing medication prescriptions and usage but does not focus on aligning them with the patient's current medications. A medication review evaluates the appropriateness of ongoing therapy but may not directly involve reconciling discrepancies across different healthcare settings. Dosage verification pertains to checking the accuracy of prescribed dosages, which does not encompass the broader aspect of ensuring that all medications are correctly documented and interpreted.