Practical tips , strategies and tools for pharmacists Medication

canadianhealthcarenetwork.ca Adverse drug events and medication discrepancies continue to be a patient safety challenge for patients and healthcare professionals. Vulnerable moments, defined as points in time when a patient is at high risk for medication discrepancies, often occur at interfaces of care when a patient moves from one healthcare setting to another, such as admission and discharge from an acute care hospital or changes in setting, service, practitioner or level of care. Medication reconciliation is intended to ensure accurate and consistent communication of patients’ medication information through transitions of care. The educational training and expertise of pharmacists uniquely positions them to support patients and other healthcare professionals with medication reconciliation. This article outlines practical tips, strategies and tools for pharmacists to support medication reconciliation.