What does effective medication reconciliation primarily aim to ensure?

Effective medication reconciliation primarily aims to ensure patient safety through accurate medication lists. This process involves verifying and updating a patient's medication information at various transitions of care, such as upon admission, transfer, or discharge. The goal is to prevent errors related to medication discrepancies, which can lead to adverse drug events. By maintaining an accurate and comprehensive medication list, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about treatment, avoid harmful interactions, and create a safer environment for patients.

While reducing pharmacy costs, documenting hospital policies, and promoting communication between specific healthcare roles are important in a healthcare setting, they are not the primary focus of medication reconciliation. Ensuring that patients have the correct medications listed and understood is paramount to fostering their overall safety and health outcomes.